Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium to book their place in the UEFA Champions League final, progressing 2-1 on aggregate.
The visitors made a lively start and created the first real opening in the 8th minute, when Giuliano Simeone linked up with Julian Alvarez, though his effort failed to hit the target. Shortly after, Declan Rice produced a key defensive block to deny Simeone from meeting Antoine Griezmann’s cross.
Arsenal gradually settled into the game but struggled to carve out clear chances, with two penalty appeals waved away before the half-hour mark. The first came after Griezmann’s challenge on Leandro Trossard, while the second saw Rice’s effort strike David Hancko’s arm.
The breakthrough arrived just before half-time. Bukayo Saka reacted quickest in the box, sweeping home from close range after Jan Oblak saved Trossard’s initial shot.
Saka’s goal took his Champions League record at the Emirates to nine goals and five assists in 10 appearances.
Atletico nearly responded immediately after the restart, with Ademola Lookman missing a close-range opportunity two minutes into the second half. Simeone later came close again after rounding David Raya, but Gabriel made a crucial recovery tackle to prevent the equaliser.
Arsenal survived a VAR review after a challenge involving Gabriel went in their favour, easing tension inside the stadium.
Late on, Viktor Gyökeres wasted a chance to extend the lead, volleying over from close range after a dangerous cross from Piero Hincapie.
Despite late pressure, Arsenal held firm to seal victory and confirm their first Champions League final appearance in 20 years.
