Arsenal reached the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 20 years after defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side progressed after a tightly contested semi-final, avoiding a repeat of last season’s exit to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain. The result keeps alive Arsenal’s hopes of completing a Champions League and Premier League double.
The tie was level at 1-1 after the first leg and the return fixture began cautiously, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities in the opening stages.
Saka broke the deadlock in the 44th minute after Jan Oblak parried a shot from Leandro Trossard. The England forward reacted quickly to tap in from close range following a move involving Viktor Gyokeres.
Atletico Madrid threatened on several occasions. Declan Rice produced a vital last-ditch tackle in the first half to deny Giuliano Simeone, while defender Gabriel later prevented the forward from equalising after he had rounded goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal had the chance to increase their advantage when Gyokeres fired over from close range after connecting with a cross from substitute Piero Hincapie.
Despite Atletico’s pressure, Arsenal held firm to secure a place in the final for the first time since their defeat to Barcelona in 2006.
They will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest on 30 May as they seek to win Europe’s premier club competition for the first time.
