Rice creates UCL record with 99 touches in Arsenal-Atletico draw
Declan Rice made Champions League history with a record-breaking performance in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. The England international completed 99 touches and 83 passes - more than any player in this week's semi-final games, according to Opta data.
Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez scored for each side in Spain as Arsenal secured a valuable away goal in the first leg of their semi-final tie. The result gives the Gunners a strong position heading into the second leg at Emirates Stadium next week.
Rice, 27, has been instrumental since joining from West Ham in 2023, and this performance cements his reputation as one of Europe's elite midfielders. Arsenal now turn their attention to Premier League action against Fulham on Saturday before focusing on finishing the job against Atletico.
With 99 touches controlling the midfield and 83 accurate passes, Rice demonstrated why he's become Arsenal's engine room. Will this record performance be the catalyst that pushes Arsenal to their first Champions League final since 2006?