Arsenal reach Champions League final after memorable night in North London

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Arsenal 1 - 0 Atletico Madrid (Arsenal won 2-1 on aggregate)

Arsenal reached their first Champions League final in two decades as Bukayo Saka’s decisive strike secured a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid.

Author | DJ

Stadium | Emirates Stadium

Mikel Arteta’s side fell at the semi-final stage to eventual winners Paris St-Germain last season, but there was no repeat this time. Saka’s intervention kept alive hopes of a Premier League and Champions League double.

A fantastic Champions League night for Arteta and Arsenal

Arsenal TIFO with the words Over Land and sea

With the tie poised at 1-1 following the first leg, a tense atmosphere settled over Emirates Stadium and clear chances were initially scarce. The breakthrough arrived just before the interval when Saka reacted quickest, turning in from close range after Jan Oblak had parried Leandro Trossard’s effort, with Viktor Gyokeres instrumental in the build-up.

Atletico threatened sporadically. Declan Rice produced a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone in the first half, while Gabriel recovered well after the break to block Simeone after he had rounded David Raya.

Gyokeres later spurned a chance to extend Arsenal’s advantage, firing over from inside the area after meeting a cross from substitute Piero Hincapie. It proved inconsequential. Arsenal held firm to secure their place in a first Champions League final since defeat by Barcelona in 2006.

They will face either Bayern Munich or Paris St-Germain in Budapest on 30 May, with the chance to lift the trophy for the first time.

These are the moments you never forget

Ryan, an Arsenal season ticket holder, told us: “There are moments for a football fan in your life in which you have an instant mental 'bookmark' that you can make based on a result. 

“That was the best atmosphere that I and many others have ever experienced at the Emirates Stadium. Those Arsenal players gave us fans another 'bookmark' moment. 

“Now it’s time for us to make history and finish this season with two major trophies.”

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