Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League after knocking out Sporting
Arsenal are into the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second successive season after a draw against Sporting CP at the Emirates saw them take a 1-0 lead on aggregate, and the atmosphere in the dining room afterwards could not have been more different from the anxiety that has permeated their Premier League campaign in recent weeks.
Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta all spoke to TNT Sports after the final whistle, and the message from all three was the same: enjoy tonight, then repeat on Sunday against Manchester City.
Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals after Diego Simeone’s side beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate.
‘We’re Worth It’
Martinelli was delighted as he reflected on a second consecutive final, the first time in Arsenal’s 140-year history that they have reached back-to-back Champions League semi-finals.
“Yes, everyone is just buzzing in the dressing room,” the Brazilian told TNT Sports. “Two times in a row in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Everyone is happy. I think we deserve that. We played well and we deserve that. Now, enjoy tonight and we will have a big one on Sunday.
“When we play in the Champions League, it is always difficult, there is not a single team that is not strong, we knew that they will come and try to score a goal with the way they are playing, it is really good, we did well, we did not concede a goal and we did not score a goal, but we drew and finished.
When facing Atletico in the final four, Martinelli added “We played them in the group stage but this will be a completely different game. We have to get what is right, we have to do things the right way in this game too. Let’s go on and try to win both games.
“When you play for Arsenal you have to be able to deal with pressure. We like pressure a lot. We play for Arsenal, we’re used to it. It’s a semi-final and we’re fighting for the Premier League. Let’s enjoy tonight and see you at the weekend.”
Arteta: ‘Steps That Haven’t Been Made in 140 Years’
Arteta kept his post-match comments brief. For a manager who was under a lot of pressure after the Premier League defeat, the milestone provided a moment of real satisfaction.
“It’s a big moment,” said the Arsenal coach. “To be part of those four teams is a great job. It’s a great night. I’m very happy for my people. We’re doing something that hasn’t happened at this club for 140 years – a Champions League semi-final.”
Rice Refuses to Entertain Any Evil
If there was one voice that captured the collective mind of this Arsenal team after the results, it was Rice. The England midfielder has become one of the most outspoken leaders in the dressing room since his move from West Ham, and he was in no mood to let any sense of anti-climax creep into the event.
“I’m happy. So, I’m very happy,” he said. “It was a tough test over two games but to get back to the semi-finals is a fantastic achievement for this team and now we want to go one step further to reach the final. We’ve played Atletico Madrid this season and we know what to expect, so get on with these last few weeks.”
When it was put to him that some may have found it frustrating on a night with a lack of goals, Rice pushed back. “It’s frustrating? No, we’ve just reached the semi-final, which is sitting all the way. Who cares what people think? What’s important is what this team thinks, what the manager thinks and we’re in another semi-final. I’m happy.
“Like any other top club, there’s noise about everything. This is Arsenal football club, there’s noise in every game. If you’re not playing well, if you’re not playing well, take it with a pinch of salt and keep going. Bring it on in the last few weeks. It’s a rollercoaster. Nobody’s going to give you anything in this game. Let’s keep going and we’ll keep going.
With the Premier League title race set to resume at the Etihad on Sunday, Rice was asked if a win at Manchester City was important. He continued: “Yes, you have to win every game. We want to win every game in the Premier League.”
“Our record this year has been amazing in all competitions and that’s why we’re playing this game, it’s a football game at the end of the day, as much as you want, I know I’ll be ready, I know the boys will be ready, so let’s go.”
Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final, where they will face Atletico Madrid, will take place on April 28-29 and May 5-6. The final is in Budapest on May 30.
