What many expected to be a routine match turned into one of the most painful defeats Real Madrid has suffered in the UEFA Champions League. Neither Kylian Mbappé nor Vinícius Jr. could save the European giants, and two stunning strikes from Declan Rice will forever be etched in the collective memory of Madrid fans.

Mbappé was one of the closest players to Rice’s goals, and cameras caught his reaction to the second of the Englishman's two direct free-kick goals.

Mbappé's Reaction to Rice's Second Goal

CBS Sports Golazo captured the moment: a small sigh from the French striker as the ball hit the net to make it 2–0 for Arsenal—an already painful scoreline that would later grow with Mikel Merino’s thunderous finish.

Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: A European Statement

After days of warnings about Arsenal's set-piece threat, Real Madrid learned the hard way. Declan Rice, with the first two direct free-kick goals of his career, and Mikel Merino, with a lethal left-footed strike, dismantled a disoriented Madrid side now needing a miracle to reach the semifinals.

The Emirates erupted during a dream-like second half. With several key players missing and no major titles in five years, Arsenal enjoyed a long-awaited night of European glory. Meanwhile, Madrid—complacent and playing for a draw—was left on the ropes. Not even experience or Mbappé, who missed a key one-on-one, could prevent the collapse.

Set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover spotted the weakness: a poorly set wall by Courtois. Rice capitalized with two historic strikes—his first a curling shot over the wall, marking Arsenal’s first-ever free-kick goal in a Champions League knockout round; the second, a rocket into the top corner, worthy of Juninho Pernambucano.

Merino sealed the deal with a measured, high-quality shot that exposed Madrid's decline. Whether in La Liga against Valencia or in Europe against Arsenal, Ancelotti’s team shows the same signs: they are out of form and out of ideas.

Now, all hopes rest on a fired-up Santiago Bernabéu and yet another miracle. But even for Madrid, miracles can’t last forever.