Rice hails Arsenal’s back‑to‑back semi‑final run despite subdued draw with Sport

Declan Rice described Arsenal’s return to the Champions League semi‑finals as “an amazing achievement” after a tense 0–0 draw with Sporting Lisbon secured a 1–0 aggregate win. Kai Havertz’s late strike in Portugal last week proved enough to send the Gunners through for a second straight season, setting up a semi‑final clash with Atlético Madrid and a potential final against PSG or Bayern Munich in Budapest. Rice told TNT Sports that reaching consecutive semi‑finals reflects the group’s progress and urged the team to push one step further.

However, the flat performance at the Emirates offered little momentum ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League trip to Manchester City. Arsenal have won only once in their last five matches, a run that includes defeats in the League Cup and FA Cup. Rice dismissed outside criticism, stressing internal belief as City chase them with a game in hand. He insisted the squad will be ready.