Bukayo Saka’s decisive goal secured Arsenal’s first Champions League final appearance in 20 years after a tense victory over Atlético Madrid.
Arsenal F.C. defeated Atlético Madrid 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg to book their place in the final with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The decisive moment came just before half-time at the Emirates Stadium, when Bukayo Saka converted from close range after goalkeeper Jan Oblak parried an effort from Leandro Trossard. The move was initiated by Viktor Gyökeres, whose precise pass created the opening.
Arsenal controlled much of the first half, although Atlético created the opening chance through Julián Álvarez, who fired wide following a quick counterattack.
ARSENAL HOLD FIRM AFTER BREAK
The visitors began the second half with greater intensity, forcing David Raya into an important save from Antoine Griezmann.
Both sides introduced multiple substitutions before the hour mark, but Arsenal remained the more threatening side. Captain Martin Ødegaard nearly doubled the lead shortly after coming on, while Gyökeres missed another clear opportunity following a cross from Piero Hincapié.
The London side defended effectively in the closing stages, securing their 30th clean sheet of the season across all competitions and confirming their place in the final in Budapest later this month.
SAKA: ‘WE MANAGED THE PRESSURE WELL’
Speaking after the match, Saka described the occasion as special for both the team and supporters.
“We are all very happy. It was a high-pressure game and meant a lot to both sides. We managed it well and took ourselves into the final,” he said.
Reflecting on his goal, Saka added, “In moments like that you just try to survive. Sometimes luck is with you, sometimes it isn’t, but you have to be there.”
ARTETA PRAISES HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called it an unforgettable night for the club.
“We made history together. Twenty years later and only for the second time in our history, we are in the Champions League final,” Arteta said.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone admitted Arsenal deserved to progress, saying his side failed to capitalize on key opportunities.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak also acknowledged Arsenal’s superiority, noting that Atlético showed too much caution in the first half despite improving after the break.
KEY STATISTICS
- Arsenal extended their unbeaten Champions League run to 14 matches, setting a new club record.
- Mikel Arteta’s side recorded their 41st win of the 2025/26 season, equaling the club’s all-time single-season record set in 1970/71.
- Arsenal have kept 18 clean sheets in their last 24 home European matches.
- Bukayo Saka became the first English player to score in Champions League
- Myles Lewis-Skelly made his third Champions League semi-final start, with only Nwankwo Kanu and Iker Casillas recording more starts at a younger age.
