Photo by Alex Caparros - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

News

HomeNewsArsenalEnglish Premier League

Spanish media deliver their Declan Rice verdict after Arsenal beat Real Madrid in Champions League quarter-finals

Giuseppe Labellarte

Thu 17 April 2025 6:15, UK

Arsenal are through to the Champions League semi-finals after recording a stunning 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid over two quarter-final legs.

The Gunners were put under pressure by Real Madrid, with the likes of Jude Bellingham speaking of their desire to mount a “remontada”.

However, this failed to materialise as Arsenal were near-flawless at the Bernabeu, winning 2-1 on the night to reach the semi-finals at Real’s expense.

Bukayo Saka made amends for an early penalty miss with the opening goal on the night before Gabriel Martinelli added a second in the third minute of injury time.

The only error that came Arsenal’s way was a mix-up at the back that enabled Vinicius Jr to score in the 67th minute, but it turned out to be just a consolation.

Declan Rice, the hero of the first leg, was once again in inspired form, and the Spanish media sat up and took notice of the England international.

READ MORE: Arsenal set sights on Brentford defender deemed a ‘born leader’

Arsenal star Declan Rice hailed for ‘complete’ performance against Real Madrid

Rice was once against instrumental for Arsenal as they put Real to the sword, and he earned praise from a number of Spanish reporters.

Miguel Herguedas wrote of how Arsenal extended their unbeaten run against Real Madrid, which is now three wins and a draw.

“Mikel Arteta’s small tribute to Arsene Wenger, who took the first step with a 1-0 win in February 2006,” he wrote.

“The Gunners legend now has a worthy successor in Declan Rice, who delivered a colossal performance yesterday.

“The midfielder was the symbol of strength and character for a team that equaled its best away run in the Champions League.”

Meanwhile, DAZN journalist Alex de Llano wrote on X: “What a knockout performance from Declan Rice.

“From his influence on the game at the Emirates, both in terms of scoreline and play, to his performance today at the Bernabeu.

“Complete, frustrating Real Madrid with his recoveries (four, Arsenal’s best) and threatening with his attacks in the final third.”

Meanwhile, German Bona wrote on in the 59th minute: “Rice cuts off Valverde’s counterattack, which started with great speed.

“Rice’s performance is impressive. He’s everywhere!”

He then said in the 80th minute: “Rice comes out swinging from the sidelines to clear the danger. This guy should be the MVP of the game!”

Rice did end up getting the Man of the Match award, the writing: “He was once again the key player and a leader on the pitch.

“Defensively he did well helping the team and was really accurate with the ball.”

Separately, Ally McCoist said Rice’s performance for Arsenal was “monumental”.

Declan Rice’s impressive stats against Real Madrid

Rice’s impact in the first leg came in the form of two beautiful set-piece goals, while his heroics in the second leg came about through his general gameplay.

Rice was virtually everywhere as he stifled Real with numerous tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks, along with great reading of the game and being key in transition.

Rice clocked up four interceptions, three clearances, two tackles and two blocks, along with two key passes and an impressive 96 percent pass accuracy.

Arsenal’s reward for getting past the now-deposed holders is a tie against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.

The first leg ties will be played on 29-30 April 2025, while the return legs will take place on 6-7 May 2025.