Appiah Stunned as Rice’s Freekicks Sink Real Madrid

\Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah could not hide his amazement after witnessing Declan Rice’s stunning freekick performance during Arsenal’s 3-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

In a viral video sighted by mrwoode.com, Appiah was seen watching the match live and reacting with his mouth wide open in disbelief after Rice curled in his second sensational freekick of the night. The powerful strike into the far corner sealed a historic night at the Emirates Stadium, as the Gunners humbled the reigning champions in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

Declan Rice delivered two world-class freekick goals sending shockwaves through the football world and etching his name into the UEFA Champions League record books. The England international became the first player in history to score two direct freekicks in a Champions League knockout stage game.

Rice also joined an elite group of footballing greats—Rivaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Hakim Ziyech—as the only players to score two freekicks in a single Champions League match.

The victory puts Arsenal in a strong position heading into the return leg scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.

Stephen Appiah’s reaction captured the feelings of many fans and football enthusiasts around the world as Rice’s performance was not only a masterclass in technique but a statement of Arsenal’s resurgence on the European stage.

With the second leg looming, all eyes will be on Real Madrid to see if they can mount a comeback—or if Arsenal and Declan Rice will continue their dream run to Champions League glory.