Arsenal’s Declan Rice didn’t hide his frustration when teammate Thomas Partey got involved in a needless altercation late in their Champions League triumph over Real Madrid.
Rice had been a key figure across both legs of the quarter-final clash, netting twice in Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 home victory and delivering a commanding performance at the Bernabeu. ..Continue Reading
Although Rice escaped a potential suspension—thanks to VAR overturning a penalty and rescinding his earlier yellow card—he was visibly irritated when Partey picked up a silly booking with just five minutes left in the second leg.
The Ghanaian midfielder was cautioned after shoving ex-Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos during a brief scuffle that also involved Antonio Rudiger, who surprisingly went unpunished despite a questionable stamp earlier in the match.
With the tie virtually sealed, Rice was well aware of the consequences.
Partey’s yellow means he’ll miss the first leg of the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain due to suspension.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a 5-1 aggregate victory for the Gunners over the reigning Champions League holders, despite a brief scare when Vinicius Jr. cancelled out Saka’s opener in the second leg.
Arsenal still came away with a 2-1 win on the night, comfortably outclassing a subdued Madrid side.
Rice, who was awarded Player of the Match in both fixtures, was clearly Arsenal’s standout performer. However, with Partey ruled out for the PSG clash, he’ll have to adjust without his usual midfield partner.
That said, Arsenal might take heart from PSG’s shaky showing at Villa Park. Despite going 2-0 up and leading 5-1 on aggregate, the French side allowed Aston Villa to claw back and win 3-2 on the night, only narrowly advancing.
Arsenal will back themselves to exploit PSG’s vulnerabilities, but Rice’s visible displeasure at Partey’s late booking showed just how much he understands the importance of discipline at this stage of the competition.
