Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal into their first UEFA Champions League final in 20 years, scoring a decisive first-half goal in a 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid in north London on Tuesday, sealing a 2-1 aggregate triumph.
Saka struck in the 45th minute, tapping home a rebound after Leandro Trossard’s effort was parried by goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Arsenal will face either defending champions Paris Saint-Germain or German title holders Bayern Munich in the final in Budapest on May 30, as they aim to win Europe’s premier club competition for the first time. Their only previous final appearance ended in defeat to Barcelona in 2006.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession for much of the first half, although clear chances were limited in a tense and physical encounter. The breakthrough eventually came just before the interval through Saka, who continues to play a pivotal role for the Gunners.
The goal marked Saka’s 13th in the Champions League for Arsenal, moving him joint fourth on the club’s all-time scoring list in the competition.
Both teams had converted penalties in the first leg in Madrid, and there were further appeals in the return fixture.
Arsenal were denied a spot-kick in the 35th minute when Antoine Griezmann challenged Trossard in the box, but referee Daniel Siebert waved play on. Arsenal remained defensively resolute, reaching the final unbeaten in 14 matches in this season’s competition, while conceding just six goals overall.
They have also kept clean sheets at home in all three knockout rounds and recorded the joint-best defensive record in the league phase, conceding only four goals while winning all eight matches.
Tuesday’s victory capped an impressive run for Arteta’s side, who recently regained the upper hand over Manchester City in the Premier League title race as they pursue their first league title since 2004.
