Rice backs Arsenal teammates following Champions League final defeat

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has publicly defended teammates Gabriel Magalhaes and Eberechi Eze following the club’s 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. The match, held at Budapest’s Puskas Arena, concluded in a 1-1 draw after extra time before PSG secured victory on penalties.

The decisive round saw both Eze and Magalhaes miss their respective kicks, sparking immediate criticism regarding their penalty-taking techniques. Eze’s effort drifted wide of the post despite sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, while Magalhaes ballooned his attempt over the crossbar. Pundits have questioned the players' use of stutter steps prior to striking the ball, a technical detail that drew significant post-match attention.

Speaking after the match, Rice acknowledged the severity of the disappointment but emphasised the squad’s continued support for the two players. He described both as "devastated" by the outcome, noting that missing a penalty in a Champions League final is a harsh experience but one that does not diminish their value to the team.

Rice highlighted the critical roles both players fulfilled during the domestic campaign, stating that without their contributions, Arsenal would not have won the Premier League title. He offered particular praise for Magalhaes, describing him as someone for whom he has "ran out of words... as a person and as a player."

The midfielder also pointed to Eze’s crucial goals throughout the season as evidence of his importance to the squad’s success. Rice concluded that while the result was cruel, the team would take positives from the campaign and move forward, maintaining unity under manager Mikel Arteta.