Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has defended his side’s right to celebrate after securing a place in the UEFA Champions League final, insisting the moment reflects the scale of work the team has put in throughout the campaign.
The North London club edged past Atletico Madrid with a narrow 1-0 victory in the second leg of their semi final tie at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, sealing a 2-1 aggregate win following a 1-1 draw in Spain.
The result sends Arsenal into their first final in Europe’s elite competition since 2006, and only the second in their history.
While the achievement itself is significant, Rice’s post-match comments revealed a squad that is not shying away from the magnitude of what they have accomplished.
In a football culture that often dramatizes how players react to success, the England international made his stance clear. “I don’t think you can underestimate what we’ve done in this competition,” Rice said. “We had every right to celebrate like that. It’s such a big moment and a proud moment for all of us.”
Arsenal’s journey to this stage has not been straightforward. For years, the club has struggled to reassert itself among Europe’s elite, often falling short in decisive moments.
This run, however, has been built on consistency, tactical discipline, and a growing sense of belief within the squad. This match itself reflected those qualities. With the tie finely balanced after the first leg, Arsenal approached the return fixture with caution and control.
They dictated the pace and a perfect moment arrived just before halftime when Bukayo Saka tapped in from close range after Jan Oblak failed to completely deal with an initial strike from Leandro Trossard to give Arsenal the lead.
It was a goal that shifted the momentum entirely, forcing Atletico to chase the game in the second half. Despite increased pressure from the visitors, Arsenal remained composed.
Their defensive structure held firm, and their midfield, led by Rice, ensured that Atletico were limited to few clear-cut chances. The performance was not flashy, but it was effective, the kind required to navigate high-stakes European ties.
Rice later admitted he felt a sense of certainty once his team took the lead. “Once we went 1-0 up, I knew we were going to win,” he said, a statement that underlines the growing confidence within the group.
Since his arrival from West Ham United in 2023, Rice has become central to Arsenal’s evolution. His influence extends beyond his midfield duties, providing leadership and composure in key moments. Against Atletico, those qualities were evident across both legs.
Yet this achievement is not about one individual. Arsenal’s progress has been driven by collective effort, with players across the squad stepping up at crucial times. It is that shared responsibility that now places them on the brink of history.
The Gunners are still unbeaten in the competition after 14 games, recording 11 wins and 3 draws. They have also kept 9 clean sheets and have conceded just 6 goals this campaign.
Double in Sight
With a place in the Champions League final secured, Arsenal’s attention now turns to what could be a defining end to the season.
They remain firmly in contention for the Premier League title, chasing their first league triumph since 2004 while also pursuing a maiden elite European crown.
Their opponents in the final will be either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom bring significant experience at this level. Regardless of who they face, Arsenal will head to Budapest knowing they have already proven their ability to compete with Europe’s best.
The weight of history also adds another layer to the occasion. The last time Arsenal reached this stage, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to FC Barcelona. That remains a painful memory for the club, but also a reminder of how rare such opportunities are.
This time, however, feels different. There is a balance between youthful energy and experienced leadership, a combination that has carried them through difficult moments in this campaign.
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