Spanish media laud Rice's performance

Spanish sports daily AS highlighted Rice's influential role, stating:
"Declan Rice fue la pieza más importante de los Gunners en la serie, por lo que se gradúa en el máximo nivel del balompié frente al equipo más ganador de la Copa de Europa." Diario AS

This translates to: "Declan Rice was the most important piece for the Gunners in the series, thus graduating at the highest level of football against the most successful team in the European Cup."Diario AS

El Mundo journalist Miguel Herguedas drew parallels between Rice and Arsenal legends, remarking:
"The Gunners legend now has a worthy successor in Declan Rice, who delivered a colossal performance yesterday. The midfielder was the symbol of strength and character for a team that equalled its best away run in the Champions League."

DAZN journalist Alex de Llano also praised Rice's impact:
"What a knockout performance from Declan Rice. 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."

Rice's Match Statistics vs. Real Madrid (April 16, 2025)
Below is a breakdown of Declan Rice's key statistics from the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu:

Statistic	Value
Pass Accuracy	96% (25/26)
Key Passes	2
Interceptions	4
Clearances	3
Blocked Shots	2
Tackles	2
Ball Recoveries	5

Arteta's Commendation
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his admiration for Rice's performance, stating:
"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."