Declan Rice has emphasized Arsenal’s resilience and unity following the club’s progression to a second successive UEFA Champions League semi-final, despite a goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Securing their place in the last four with a 1-0 aggregate victory—courtesy of Kai Havertz’s decisive strike in the Portuguese capital—Arsenal continue their quest for a maiden Champions League title. The Gunners, who were eliminated at the same stage by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain last season, will now face Atletico Madrid for a coveted place in the Budapest final, where either PSG or Bayern Munich await.
Reflecting on the achievement, Rice told TNT Sports, “To go back-to-back semi-finals is an amazing achievement for this group. We want to now go one step further than last year and get to the final.”
While the match itself was short on drama and failed to inspire ahead of a crucial Premier League encounter with Manchester City, Rice remained upbeat. Arsenal have managed only one victory in their last five outings across all competitions—a spell that includes defeat to City in the League Cup final and a shock FA Cup exit to Southampton.
“Positivity all the way,” Rice added. “Who cares what people think. All that matters is what this group thinks, what the manager thinks, and we’re in another semi-final. I’m delighted.”
Arsenal currently sit six points clear of City at the Premier League summit, though City have a game in hand and will host the Gunners in a potentially decisive clash this weekend.
“Our record this year has been amazing in all competitions,” Rice concluded. “How much do you want it? I know I’ll be ready, I know the boys will be ready, so let’s go!”
With the season approaching its climax, Arsenal remain focused on both domestic and European ambitions, determined to build on their recent progress and silence any lingering doubts.
