Arsenal is eyeing a historic conclusion to the season after Bukayo Saka led the London team to its first Champions League final in two decades, defeating Atlético Madrid 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. This victory secured a 2-1 aggregate win.
Saka scored the decisive goal in the 45th minute by tapping in a rebound after Leandro Trossard‘s attempt was saved by Jan Oblak.
This marks only Arsenal’s second appearance in the final of Europe’s top competition, with their previous appearance in 2006 resulting in a loss to Barcelona. They will compete against either the reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain or German champions Bayern Munich in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30.
– Arsenal sets sights on Champions League glory with win over Atlético
– Simeone: ‘No excuses’ as Arsenal eliminates Atleti
PSG won the thrilling first leg of their semifinal 5-4, with the second leg taking place in Munich on Wednesday.
“It’s an incredible night, and we have made history together. I couldn’t be happier or prouder of everyone involved in this club,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated in a press conference. “The reception we received outside the stadium was special and unique. The atmosphere created by our supporters energized the team, making this experience truly special. We fully understood what this meant to everyone and the boys delivered an amazing performance. After 20 years, we have returned to the Champions League final for only the second time in our history.”
While Arsenal celebrates this achievement, Atlético Madrid continues to search for its elusive Champions League title, having reached the final twice under long-term coach Diego Simeone in 2014 and 2016, only to suffer defeat against their rivals Real Madrid.
Arsenal controlled the ball for much of the first half, yet neither side tested the opponent’s goalkeeper until Saka’s crucial goal broke the deadlock in a tense and physical match.
This goal marked Saka’s 13th in the Champions League for Arsenal, placing him tied for fourth on the club’s all-time scoring list.
“It’s beautiful to see what this means to us and to the fans. We’re all extremely happy,” Saka shared with Amazon Prime.
This could be a remarkable season for Arsenal, as they stand one match away from their first European Cup title and just three games short of claiming their first Premier League championship in 22 years.
The Gunners will secure the domestic league title if they win their last three games, especially after Manchester City settled for a 3-3 draw against Everton on Monday.
“Everyone can feel a shift in energy, belief, and everything else. Let’s harness that in the right way and recognize the considerable challenge ahead, but we have the ability and conviction to achieve it,” Arteta remarked.
Saka was only four years old when Thierry Henry & Co. fell to Barcelona at the Stade de France in 2006. However, as a graduate of the Arsenal academy, he now has the chance to rectify that loss for the club he joined at just eight years old.
Following a recent 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, Saka was once again instrumental in the team’s success.
Atlético’s coach, Simeone, donned his usual all-black attire and grew increasingly frustrated on the sidelines as the decisions seemed to fall against his side, and their search for an equalizer remained unsuccessful.
After each team scored from a penalty kick in the first leg in Madrid last week, there were multiple appeals again on Tuesday. Arsenal sought a penalty when Antoine Griezmann fouled Trossard in the area in the 35th minute, but referee Daniel Siebert let play continue.
Atlético also had two penalty appeals in the latter half; the first was when Giuliano Simeone was brought down by Gabriel Magalhães, and then again when Griezmann fell after a tackle from Riccardo Calafiori. However, the referee had already called an Atlético foul.
Arsenal’s striker Viktor Gyökeres narrowly missed doubling the lead on a counterattack in the 66th minute when he received a cross from Piero Hincapié but put his shot over the bar.
Shortly after, Griezmann departed what would be his final Champions League match for Atlético as he prepares to move to Orlando City in the summer, and with Julián Álvarez substituted due to injury from the first leg as well, Atlético’s chances for a comeback seemed bleak.
This encounter was unlikely to resemble the fast-paced attacking play seen in the PSG-Bayern matchup, as Arsenal’s defense proved to be resolute once again.
In addition to keeping a clean sheet at home throughout all three knockout rounds, Arsenal conceded the fewest goals—just four—in winning all eight of their matches during the group stage, entering the final unbeaten in this season’s competition.
“It’s easier said than done,” Saka acknowledged regarding the importance of managing the win. “This match was under high pressure and incredibly significant for both teams, but we were able to handle it well and reach the final, so we are delighted.”
Regardless of the outcome in the second semifinal, the final in Budapest promises a clash of contrasting styles.
Contributions for this report were made by ESPN’s James Olley and The Associated Press.