Arsenal vs Real Madrid: A Champions League Night That Hit Different
By Stewart Hogan Some matches you forget by the next morning, while some stick. Last night I, Stewart Hogan watched Arsenal do something that wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. Not just to Real Madrid, but to Europe, and to the world. To anyone who ever questioned if Arsenal F.C. still had that fire. From the first whistle, you could feel that tension. The UEFA Champions League has seen its share of drama. But this one had a vibe, a pulse. Declan Rice’s FreeKick Masterclass The first half saw both teams testing the waters, with Arsenal displaying commendable energy and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois making crucial saves to keep the Gunners at bay. Declan Rice, who had never scored a direct free kick in his pro career, stepped up and delivered a curling beauty that left Courtois frozen. The first free-kick was gorgeous. But the second one was downright disrespectful. Courtois couldn’t even dive, he just watched like the rest of us. I mean, who knew Rice had that in his locker...