As Declan Rice recently explained, they needed those “magic moments.” Arsenal are prepared to take on Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in their semifinal of the Champions League, looking for their first final in 19 years. The final is set to be played in Paris. Arsenal’s impressive run to get this far in the competition for the first time since 2009, with Rice being a key factor to their success.
Reflecting on their last experience against PSG, Rice remembered the club’s 2-0 win during the group stage back in October. He noted that the squad remains largely unchanged, stating, “It was the same team other than Dembele and [Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia.” This internal familiarity may give Arsenal an edge as they look to prepare and assemble themselves to face a deep and extremely dangerous opponent.
Rice’s contributions have been crucial in Arsenal’s road to the semifinals. His outstanding performance, particularly his two stunning free kicks against Real Madrid, helped secure a 5-1 aggregate victory in the quarterfinals.
“I think in that game against Madrid, obviously I was able to produce two free kicks, which were incredible,” – Declan Rice
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, reinforced Rice’s message in emphasizing how crucial it will be to draw inspiration from their newfound success. He encouraged his players to draw confidence from their convincing win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, stating, “We did it in a really convincing way against very difficult opponents.”
Arsenal prepares to head into this decisive matchup. Arteta is careful to stress that they are only one victory away from a place in the Champions League final.
“We are a win away from being the Champions League final. In the most beautiful city in the world, against a great opponent, it doesn’t get much better than that,” – Mikel Arteta
He further recognized the historical impact of their semifinal run. Only two teams have previously lost the first leg of a Champions League semifinal at home and gone on to reach the final: Ajax in 1995-96 and Tottenham in 2018-19. That reality only increases the pressure and stakes as Arsenal looks to make history for the first time.
Rice explained further. He has recognized that these moments can be match-defining in important games.
“But tomorrow night, a semifinal is set up for someone else to maybe get that magic moment,” – Declan Rice
This sense of belief is tangible in the LCFC camp as they get ready to take on PSG. Both players and management know that taking advantage of critical windows of opportunity will be crucial to their success.
Arteta hasn’t stopped expecting the best from his players, insisting that they think they’re suited to this kind of competition.
“Obviously it wasn’t meant to be, but we’ve seen enough and we know enough as a team that tomorrow night we can do something really, really good and we definitely believe that we belong at this level,” – Mikel Arteta
As Arsenal takes on PSG, all eyes will be on how they harness these “magic moments” to secure a place in the final. Full of confidence and determination, they certainly hope to make a little bit of Champions League history in Paris and their impressive journey continues.
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