Arsenal are back on Europe’s biggest stage—and inside the dressing room, it felt like everything finally boiled over.
A tense 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, sealed by Bukayo Saka’s decisive goal, has sent the Gunners into the Champions League final for the first time in two decades. The result secured a 2-1 aggregate victory and triggered emotional celebrations behind the scenes.
Declan Rice offered a raw glimpse into those moments, describing a dressing room overwhelmed with excitement and relief. “It is chaos,” he said after the final whistle. “You can’t underestimate what we’ve done in this competition. We have every right to celebrate. It’s the most prestigious competition in club football, and we’re trying to soak it all in.”
The significance of the night was not lost on the squad before kickoff. Rice admitted the players approached the match with complete focus, fully aware of what was at stake. Once Arsenal took the lead, belief surged through the team. “When we went 1-0 up, I knew we were going to win. I could feel something special building,” he added.
While Saka’s goal made the headlines, attention inside the camp quickly turned to emerging talent Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 19-year-old delivered a composed and mature performance in midfield, stepping into a role ahead of more experienced options.
Rice highlighted the youngster’s rapid growth, pointing to his fearless displays over the past year. “We’ve always known what he can do,” he said. “I remember him playing at the Bernabeu at 18 and thinking, ‘What a player.’”
Behind that rise, Rice credited manager Mikel Arteta’s demanding approach. The Arsenal boss has pushed Lewis-Skelly to develop, even when opportunities have been limited. “The manager has been tough on him,” Rice explained. “But he’s worked hard, stayed focused, and when called upon, he delivered. That’s no surprise to me.”
This victory is more than just a semi-final win—it reflects the steady rebuild under Arteta. Arsenal have transformed from inconsistent challengers into genuine contenders, using past setbacks as motivation to improve.
With the Champions League final now in sight, Arsenal remain locked in a fierce domestic battle as well. Rice believes the squad’s relentless mindset has positioned them for a strong finish on all fronts. “We’ve gone full throttle in this competition and the Premier League,” he said. “Now we’re in a good place with a massive few weeks ahead.”
