“We know what to expect,” Declan Rice ahead of Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid
Qualified for the Champions League semi-finals, Arsenal approach their duel against Atlético Madrid with confidence, Declan Rice assuring that the Gunners are ready for this challenge.
The day after Arsenal’s qualification for the Champions League semi-finals, Declan Rice showed his confidence ahead of the upcoming clash against Atlético Madrid. Held to a 0-0 draw by Sporting CP in the quarter-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners booked their ticket thanks to the victory they earned in the first leg (1-0). A controlled qualification, which confirms the London club’s progress on the European stage.
Speaking at the final whistle, Rice looked ahead to the next challenge with ambition: “We’re delighted. It was a very difficult duel over two legs. Reaching two consecutive semi-finals is a great achievement for this group, but we want to go even further and reach the final.” The English midfielder also shows lucidity about the task awaiting his team: “We have already faced Atlético this season; it was a very closely contested match. We know what to expect. We can’t wait to live these next two weeks.” Having already beaten the Colchoneros earlier in the season, Arsenal will approach this two-legged tie with confidence, but also with the awareness that a very different challenge awaits them against the experience of Diego Simeone’s men.
