Arsenal have qualified for the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 20 years after a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night secured a 2-1 aggregate victory in the semi-final.
Bukayo Saka’s first-half goal proved decisive on the night, finishing off a quick counter-attack in the 38th minute after the first leg in Madrid had ended 1-1. The result sends Mikel Arteta’s side to the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on 30 May, where they will meet either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich. e10564af
Arsenal controlled the early stages in London and held firm under heavy Atletico pressure in the second half. Goalkeeper David Raya made a crucial save from Antoine Griezmann in the 70th minute, while Atletico’s appeals for a penalty after a challenge on Eberechi Eze were overturned by VAR. The Gunners are now the only unbeaten team in this season’s competition with 10 wins and three draws from 13 matches. 62881357
The win marks Arsenal’s second appearance in the European Cup/Champions League final, following their 2006 defeat to Barcelona. It is also the club’s eighth UEFA competition final overall. Arteta said the team was “ready to grab this opportunity with both hands” after reaching back-to-back semi-finals. The 2026 final is scheduled for Saturday, 30 May at 12 p.m. ET. 64af0581ba04
