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After a wait of about 20 years, Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the second time in the tournament’s history, beating Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Captain Bukayo Saka flicked the ball for a goal after Atletico’s keeper Jan Oblak initially blocked a shot from Leandro Trossard at the Emirates Stadium for a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Both teams were in a defensive mood, and the Arsenal victory on the home ground brought celebrations and excitement at the end of the match.
In the first leg, both teams tied 1-1 and the Gunners were mentally ahead as they have not lost a single match since the league stage this season and did not concede a goal in any of the three matches they have played at home.
Arsenal were more focused on counterattacking as they kept their post protected. Both teams fought in harmony, focusing on defense and the midfield. However, the hosts got their goal late in the first half. In the 45th minute, Viktor Gyökeres extended the ball to Leandro Trossard, who shot it towards the net.
However, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak dived to block the shot, but Arsenal's right winger Saka turned it into the net with a flick of his foot.
Atletico, who only managed two failed shots towards the goalpost in the first half, failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity late in the second half. Giuliano Simeone, who received a long through pass from his teammate, beat the goalkeeper in the first touch at the D-box, but he was too late to shoot into the empty net, thanks to Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, who blocked it momentarily. Shortly after, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya jumped to block Antoine Griezmann 's shot.
After several successive attacks from the opposition, Arsenal launched a brilliant counterattack in the 66th minute. Piero Hincapie found Gyökeres, who was running into the D-box with a wonderful cross from the left; but Gyökeres’ first touch shot went just over the crossbar.
Atletico Madrid, struggling in the match, had a clear chance in the 83rd minute, but forward Alexander Sørloth failed to score the ball into the empty post.
Arsenal lost 2-1 against Barcelona in the Champions League 2006 final, and they ended their wait in style through Wednesday’s victory.
Arsenal will face PSG or Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest, Hungary.