Kylian Mbappe's immediate reaction to Declan Rice's Arsenal heroics sums him up

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice stole the show against Real Madrid after scoring two impressive free-kicks in the Gunners' Champions League quarter-final first leg clash against Los Blancos

Kylian Mbappe could scarcely believe his eyes following Declan Rice's free-kick exploits against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Arsenal prevailed over the La Liga giants 3-0 as the England midfielder bagged two outstanding set-pieces.

Rice first hit an outstanding curling effort past Thibaut Courtois, before offering a fierce strike with perfect placement to beat the Belgian once again. Mikel Merino rounded off the scoring with a fine effort of his own to give the Gunners a healthy advantage ahead of the quarter-final second leg.

Mbappe could only puff out his cheeks and offer a slight nod of acknowledgment such was the quality of Rice's hit, as Arsenal's stars were sent into raptures. The Frenchman was soon heading back to the centre circle as Real Madrid were left searching for answers.

The bemused look was barely able to leave Mbappe's face as Los Blancos found themselves suffering a comprehensive defeat following a goalless first half. The former Real Madrid star, who has scored 32 goals this season, has not given up hope however.

Taking to his Instagram story following the game, the Frenchman shared an image of himself during the game with the caption: “Hay que creer hasta el final” which translates to “you have to believe until the end.”

The 26-year-old may have been even more impressed than most by Rice's brace. Mbappe only scored the first direct free-kick of his own career at the end of last month.

The 2018 World Cup winner found the net against Leganes, though so the ball stalled by Fran Garcia to lead to questions over whether it counted. Rice had not scored from a deadball until Tuesday evening, but left nobody in any doubt over the validity of his strikes.

Arsenal midfielder Rice was ecstatic about what he delivered. The England international explained his decision to twice go for goal

“Originally we were going to cross the first one, but I saw the wall and the goalkeeper's position," he said. "The second one I had the confidence and I hit it.

"It's not going to hit me yet because there's another leg to go. I'm excited, I'm happy, I'm over the moon. It’s the best feeling in the world. In a few years' time it will hit me that what I've done tonight is really special.”

And it was not how Mikel Arteta anticipated earning victory. It broke a long spell of the Gunners not scoring directly from a free-kick, despite their reputation from set-pieces.

“He has never scored a free kick in his career, we have not scored a direct free kick since Burnley away in September 2021," said Arteta. "What are the odds?

“It was two moments of individual quality and we have to show we can do that again next week. Real Madrid changed the competition, they are the best team in the history of the competition and it was so important for us to take the next step.”

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