Declan Rice expressed confidence that Arsenal are on track for "special things" after their 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory to reach the Champions League semifinals. Rice, who had a key role in the first leg with two stunning free-kicks, was named man of the match in the second leg, where goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win.
Reflecting on the achievement, Rice emphasized the historic nature of the victory and Arsenal's ambition to compete for and win Europe's top prize.
Despite the talk surrounding Real Madrid's potential comeback, Arsenal were undeterred, with Rice highlighting the team's belief and confidence after their dominant first-leg performance. The midfielder acknowledged that Arsenal would endure challenges but maintained their focus on victory.
He also expressed the club's long-term aspirations, noting that their journey toward major trophies was just beginning, with full trust in manager Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal, who will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals, are aiming for their first-ever Champions League title. Rice, who joined the club in 2023 for a record fee, believes the team is on an upward trajectory and poised for success in the coming years.
In the second leg, Arsenal survived a scare when a penalty for a foul on Kylian Mbappe was overturned after a VAR review, allowing Rice to avoid suspension for the semifinal.
ADD A COMMENT :