Arsenal ended a two-decade wait for a UEFA Champions League final place after a narrow but decisive 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Bukayo Saka proved the difference, tapping home in the 45th minute after Leandro Trossard’s effort was parried by Jan Oblak.
The win secured a 2-1 aggregate triumph for the London side.
The result sends Arsenal into only their second final in Europe’s elite competition, their first since the 2006 defeat to FC Barcelona.
They will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final set for May 30 in Budapest.
Manager Mikel Arteta hailed the achievement as historic, praising both his players and the fans for creating a special atmosphere on the night. He noted the significance of reaching the final again after 20 years, describing it as a proud moment for everyone connected to the club.
For Atletico, the wait for a first Champions League title continues. Under long-serving coach Diego Simeone, the Spanish side had previously reached the final in 2014 and 2016 but lost both times to Real Madrid.
Arsenal controlled much of the first half but struggled to break through until Saka struck just before the break. The goal marked his 13th in the competition for the club, underlining his growing influence.
Despite late pressure and multiple penalty appeals from Atletico, Arsenal’s defense held firm to secure the clean sheet.
The Gunners remain unbeaten in this season’s competition and have conceded just four goals so far.
With the final ahead, Arsenal are now within touching distance of a first European Cup title and could yet cap a remarkable season with domestic success as well.
