Declan became the first player in the tournament's history to score two goals from free kicks in the playoffs
Declan Rice. Photo – Getty Images
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been named Player of the Week 13 in the 2024/25 Champions League .
The 26-year-old Englishman became the hero of the first, home quarter-final against Real (3:0). In the second half, he twice converted free kicks perfectly, becoming the first player in the history of the Champions League to do so in one playoff match. The rout was completed by an accurate strike from Mikel Merino.
In the voting, Rice beat out Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski.
See also: Arsenal vs. Real Madrid. Video review of the match for April 8
The return match between the teams will take place in the Spanish capital on Wednesday, April 16. The game starts at 22:00. Before that, Arsenal will host Brentford in their championships, and Real will play away against Alaves.