Spanish Media React to Declan Rice’s Performance During Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal beat Real Madrid over two legs in their Champions League quarter-final tie in historic fashion, winning 3-0 at home before then completing the job with a 2-1 away win.

Declan Rice’s stunning free-kick double at the Emirates got them off to a perfect start, with Mikel Merino adding a third to put the game to bed. And despite all the talk of a ‘Remontada’, the Gunners dealt comfortably with all the pressure at the Bernabeu in the second leg.

Bukayo Saka would miss a penalty but then score the opener later on, and while a slip from William Saliba would open up the door for Vinicius Junior to get on the score sheet, it would mean little as Gabriel Martinelli would win the match later on, scoring Arsenal’s fifth goal on aggregate.

For everybody watching, it was clear Mikel Arteta’s men were the superior team across both matches and the player best representing this gulf in quality was Rice. The English midfielder was Man of the Match in the first and second leg, and after blowing away Spanish press at the Emirates, he did the same at the Bernabeu.

“He’s everywhere!”

El Mundo journalist Miguel Herguedas recalled Arsenal last win away at Madrid in 2006, suggesting that Rice was a player who could have been a part of that iconic team too. He said:

DAZN journalist Alex de Llano took to social media to offer up his verdict, also recognising the standout display for Arsenal’s £100m midfielder. “What a knockout performance from Declan Rice,” he said.

“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.”

Well-known Spanish publication Sport, also went big with their praise. Journalist German Bona asserted that Rice deserved the Man of the Match award, first noting in the 59th minute: “Rice cuts off Valverde’s counterattack, which started with great speed.

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

Before adding late on: “Rice comes out swinging from the sidelines to clear the danger. This guy should be the MVP of the game!”

Related

Why Declan Rice Was Furious With Thomas Partey During Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal

Even though the Gunners were set to go through on the night, the Englishman was not happy with his teammate.

Rice Leads the Way for Arsenal With Arteta Blown Away

“He was immense”

As the stats show, Rice was incredibly impressive on the day. Not only did he help the team pose a threat in crucial moments, with two key passes, but he was also incredibly tidy on the ball as he misplaced just one of his 26 passes.

Most notably, however, was his defensive work. He managed a mammoth five ball recoveries and five interceptions, while also making two tackles and two blocks. If there were any doubts before the game, fans will now appreciate him as one of the best midfielders on the planet.

Arteta was certainly happy with the Englishman. After the game, he told TNT Sports: “I think tonight he was immense. I think he turned the game around.

“The moment the game was 50/50, he got the ball and he turned the game. I think he was immense today. He made a difference in the tie.”

Stats via SofaScore