UCL – Former Arsenal defender, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has said that the first free-kick scored by Declan Rice in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Real Madrid was not special.
According to him, the goal was possible only because of a mistake by Real Madrid.
Bronckhorst was speaking in agreement with former Real Madrid midfielder, Wesley Sneijder, as both men analysed the game on Ziggo Sports.
Sneijder had noted that Rice’s first goal was normal for any right-footed player.
He blamed Los Blancos for failing to arrange their wall properly, as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believed the free-kick would be taken by Bukayo Saka.
“That wall wasn’t positioned properly for that first goal. He [Courtois] assumes that [Bukayo] Saka will take it, he is a left-footer.
“Then he can move the wall a bit more to the right, so that he can take his own corner. A right-footed player should never be able to shoot around the wall from that angle.
“That’s not allowed. It seems a bit crazy what I’m going to say now. This seems very difficult, but for a right-footed player this is very easy,” he said.
Responding, Bronckhorst agreed with Sneijder, adding, “I think Wesley is right. The wall is too far to the right and he can shoot it past it. It’s easy to shoot a ball like that.”
Two goals from Declan Rice in the second half and another scored by Mikel Merino ensured that Real Madrid were beaten at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
The second leg of the quarterfinals encounter will take place on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
By Damilola Adeleke | April 10, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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