Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and midfielder Declan Rice have expressed strong belief in the Gunners’ ability to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes clash at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Arteta declared that his team is ready to “make history” by reaching the final of Europe’s most prestigious club competition for the first time since 2006.
“We are a win away from being in the Champions League final, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, against a great opponent,” said Arteta. “It doesn’t get much better than that. We are here to make history.”
Arsenal lost the first leg 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium last week, with Ousmane Dembele scoring the decisive goal for PSG. However, Arteta and his players believe they have what it takes to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the final, which will be played in Munich later this month.
Declan Rice, a key player for Arsenal this season, said the team is confident of delivering a special performance. “We’re here to win the game. We’re here to make a statement. We want to get to the final, and we’re ready to do that,” Rice told reporters.
He added, “We need to have big balls and go out there on the biggest stage to show we’re ready. It would be the biggest night in this club’s history if we get to the final, and we’re fully ready to go.”
Despite the narrow first-leg loss, Arsenal are drawing confidence from their impressive quarter-final performance, where they defeated reigning champions Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate. Rice was instrumental in that tie, scoring two stunning free-kicks in the first leg.
“We had a 3-0 lead against Madrid, but many doubted if we could handle the pressure at the Bernabeu,” Rice recalled. “We proved we can handle big situations. Tomorrow is another massive test for this team.”
Arteta also emphasized that his side did not deserve to lose the first leg and encouraged his players to rise to the challenge. He praised the team’s spirit and said moments like these are what football is all about.
Dutch defender Jurrien Timber’s availability remains uncertain, with the coach confirming that a final decision on his fitness would be made after Tuesday’s training session. Meanwhile, Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who has been out since March, has traveled with the team and is fit to play.
On the PSG side, coach Luis Enrique confirmed that Dembele, who scored the winner in the first leg but left with a hamstring issue, is fit and available for the second leg.
PSG have been in strong form, eliminating Premier League sides Liverpool and Aston Villa in the previous rounds. However, Arsenal believe they can rise to the occasion.
“This is set up for someone to have a magic moment,” Rice said. “Hopefully, we can deliver something special.”
A win would send Arsenal into their second Champions League final, their first in 19 years. They last reached the final in 2006 but lost 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris.
With high stakes and high expectations, all eyes will be on the Parc des Princes Wednesday night as Arsenal fight to write a new chapter in the club’s European history.
