Declan Rice credited Bukayo Saka for encouraging him to take a free kick against Real Madrid, despite set-piece coach Nicolas Jover suggesting a cross.

Football dominates the UK news cycle this morning, as Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League. 

Two stunning free kick goals from Declan Rice and a third sensational goal from Mikel Merino stunned Real Madrid. The North London club will head to the Bernabeu next Wednesday (16 April) for the reverse fixture where Madrid will need to overturn a 3-0 deficit to be in with a chance of dancing to the semi-finals. 

The Premier League will secure five spots in the Champions League next season due to its clubs’ strong performances across European competitions.

The quarter final first legs of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League commence with eight teams vying for a place in the semifinals.

English club Arsenal is in action in tonight’s Champions League fixture – and England’s Lionesses play the reverse fixture of the latest Nations League campaign.

Thibaut Courtois acknowledged Real Madrid’s preparations to counter Arsenal’s set-piece capabilities ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal clash.