Arsenal reached their first UEFA Champions League final in 20 years after a 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid secured a 2-1 aggregate semifinal win, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal at Emirates Stadium.
Saka’s 45th-minute tap-in proved the difference on a tense night, as the Gunners held firm to book their place in the final scheduled for May 30 in Budapest, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich.
Atlético began brightly, with Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone testing Arsenal early, but the hosts gradually took control. The breakthrough came just before half-time when Viktor Gyökeres drove to the byline and delivered a cross that led to a rebound opportunity, which Saka converted after Jan Oblak saved Leandro Trossard’s initial effort.
In the second half, Atlético pushed for an equaliser, but Gabriel Magalhães produced a crucial defensive intervention to deny Simeone. Arsenal also had chances to extend their lead, notably through Gyökeres, who missed from close range.
Late pressure from Atlético nearly forced extra time, but substitute Alexander Sørloth squandered a clear opportunity, allowing Arsenal to hold on.
The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations, with manager Mikel Arteta and his players marking a historic return to the final, having last appeared in 2006, when they were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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