Courtois: 'I take responsibility' for Rice free kick

Seguimos 2025/04/09 03:09
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Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he "takes responsibility" for Declan Rice's stunning opening free kick goal in Real Madrid's 3-0 Champions League quarterfinal first leg defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday.

Rice had never scored from a direct free kick, but netted twice in the second half at the Emirates -- before Mikel Merino added a late third goal -- to see Arsenal take a commanding lead in the tie.

"I thought I'd positioned the wall well," Courtois told Movistar. "I usually put an extra man in. I take responsibility for that, I could have put an extra man in, but I thought [Rice] wouldn't get as much curl on it. And the second goal is a great goal.

"They were unnecessary fouls, when there was no danger. Perhaps we shouldn't make those fouls."

Madrid travel to Alavés on Sunday, before hosting Arsenal in the return leg.