GUNNERS RICE TO THE CHALLENGE

Stunning set-piece brace puts Arsenal on brink of Champions League semifinals

Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal defied the odds with its stunning 3-0 win against Real Madrid, as Declan Rice's free-kick magic left the Champions League holder in disarray.

Rice inspired one of the greatest results in Arsenal's storied history with two blistering freekicks in the second half of the quarterfinal first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Mikel Merino scored the third goal for Arteta's side, as it moved within touching distance of a first Champions League semifinal appearance since 2009.