Declan Rice stunned the football world tonight with an extraordinary display of set-piece brilliance, scoring two spectacular free-kicks in Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
The England international broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a sensational curling effort before repeating the feat just 12 minutes later.
The Emirates Stadium erupted as the former West Ham star delivered two moments of magic that left even Real Madrid's superstars in disbelief.
Rice stepped up for a free-kick from 25 yards after Bukayo Saka was fouled, whipping a right-footed effort around the Madrid wall that flew past Thibaut Courtois.
Declan Rice scored two sublime free-kicks - the first of his career
Reuters
The stunning strike left Kylian Mbappe with his mouth open in disbelief, whilst Jude Bellingham could only watch on as replays showed his England teammate's fine effort.
"Look at the bend on that, how far it starts, out the post, finds itself curling inside, absolutely magnificent. Keeper no chance," Alan Shearer remarked on commentary.
One fan was heard shouting "Smash it, Declan!" before his first strike, and Rice certainly obliged.
But it was his second free-kick that truly defied belief.
From the opposite side, Rice leathered another dead ball effort into the top corner with the same devastating curl.
"You thought the first one was impressive? Goodness me. The accuracy, the power, the bend and the control on it," Shearer exclaimed.
JUST IN: Fencer Stephanie Turner awarded huge payday after taking a knee against transgender opponent
"Thibaut Courtois left a big gap because he thought he was going to go over the wall. It is absolutely incredible."
What makes Rice's achievement even more remarkable is that these were his first-ever professional free-kick goals.
Before tonight's match, the midfielder had never scored from a direct free-kick in his career.
READ MORE: Celebre D'Allen dies after collapsing during Grand National as jockey receives punishment
Declan Rice had never scored a free-kick before
Reuters
Now he's netted two in just 12 minutes against the kings of Europe.
To add further gloss, Mikel Merino scored to make it 3-0 with Real failing to land a punch on the Gunners.
It gives Arteta's men a healthy lead to take to Spain next week while Carlo Ancelotti's night turned worse as Eduardo Camavinga was sent off for a second yellow - when he booted the ball away.
Arsenal's dominant performance against Real Madrid has breathed new life into their European campaign.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Arsenal take a fine lead to the Bernabeu next week
Reuters
The Gunners now hold a crucial advantage heading into the second leg in Madrid.
Rice's set-piece masterclass has firmly established him as one of England's most complete midfielders.
The atmosphere at the Emirates was electric, with fans witnessing perhaps the most memorable European night in recent Arsenal history.
As one supporter aptly put it before Rice's first strike, he certainly did "smash it" - not once, but twice.
