Declan Rice praises Arsenal’s amazing achievement of reaching back-to-back Champions League semi-finals despite recent criticism and mixed form.
Declan Rice has hit back at critics after Arsenal secured a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners advanced following a 0-0 draw against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium, progressing 1-0 on aggregate after their first-leg victory in Lisbon. That result marked a second consecutive semi-final appearance for Arsenal, having fallen at the same stage last season to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal reach last four 😤#UCL pic.twitter.com/TONyO32E0R
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 15, 2026
Rice described the achievement as significant for the squad, emphasizing their ambition to go one step further this time and reach the final.
Back-to-back semi-finalists 🔴#UCL pic.twitter.com/pCTIblFQCC
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 15, 2026
Arsenal will now face Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals, with a potential final against either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain awaiting.
Atleti vs Arsenal in the semi-finals 😤#UCL pic.twitter.com/OJqtCtONJ4
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 15, 2026
Despite their European success, the performance against Sporting did little to silence criticism, with the match lacking intensity ahead of a crucial domestic fixture vs Manchester City. Arsenal have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five matches, including defeats in the League Cup final and FA Cup.
However, Rice remained positive, insisting that belief within the squad remains strong as they prepare for a decisive Premier League clash against Manchester City.
