Saka fires Arsenal to book first Champions League Final in 20 years

Arsenal have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in two decades, edging past Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-0 win in the second leg of their semi-final.

Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal just before halftime at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night (May 5), sealing a memorable victory for Mikel Arteta’s side in front of a jubilant home crowd.

The first leg in Madrid had ended 1-1, leaving Arsenal to complete the job in London.

The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Saka reacted quickest to a rebound after Leandro Trossard’s effort was parried by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The England international calmly slotted home, sending the Emirates into celebration.

Atletico pushed for an equaliser after the break, with Julian Alvarez and others creating chances, but Arsenal’s defence—marshalled effectively alongside goalkeeper David Raya—stood firm to preserve the lead.

Arsenal will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final, scheduled for May 30 in Budapest.

This latest win also sees Arsenal match a long-standing club record of 41 wins in a single season, equalling the tally set in 1971.

Arsenal last reached the Champions League final in 2006 but fell short against Barcelona.