Arsenal returns to Champions League final after 20 years
Bukayo Saka fired Arsenal into their first Champions League final in two decades, securing a 1-0 second-leg victory over Atlético Madrid on Tuesday for a 2-1 aggregate win.
The England winger tapped home a rebound in the 44th minute after Leandro Trossard’s shot was saved, sending the Emirates Stadium into delirium.
Arsenal, who lost the 2006 final to Barcelona, will now face either defending champions Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in Budapest on May 30.
“This is an incredible night,” said manager Mikel Arteta, who at 44 will become the second-youngest coach to lead Arsenal into a major European final. “After 20 years, we are back.”
Atlético, two-time finalists under Diego Simeone, saw their wait for a first Champions League crown continue.
The result marks a remarkable rise for Arsenal, who returned to Europe’s elite competition six seasons ago after a long absence and have improved steadily under Arteta.
“Everyone is so happy,” Saka said. The goal was his 13th in the Champions League for the club, tying him for fourth on Arsenal’s all-time list.
