Bukayo Saka’s first-half strike sent Arsenal through to only their second-ever UEFA Champions League (UCL) final – exactly 20 years after their first – as the Gunners beat Atlético Madrid 1-0 in the second leg of their semi-final (2-1 on aggregate).
The Emirates Stadium buzzed with anticipation before kick-off as Gunners fans sensed an opportunity to witness a historic night for their club. Yet the first chance fell to the visitors when Atleti’s top goalscorer Julián Alvarez – who had been doubtful due to an ankle injury – swept a shot wide from 15 yards.
Despite having their sleep disrupted by Arsenal fans letting off fireworks outside their London hotel on Monday night, Atlético showed no signs of sluggishness, and Giuliano Simeone was denied an 11th-minute opener only by Declan Rice’s goal-saving challenge.
The Gunners began to create half-chances of their own, with Gabriel Magalhães dragging a long-range effort just wide and Myles Lewis-Skelly flashing a cross through the six-yard box.
Atleti struggled to get out of their own half as Arsenal took control of the contest, and Saka put the hosts ahead on the stroke of HT, converting on the rebound after Jan Oblak parried Leandro Trossard’s shot for his second goal in as many games
