Bukayo Saka’s goal secured a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium to complete a 2-1 aggregate triumph, sending Arsenal to the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years.
Arsenal will play either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30 after Saka scored the game-winning goal just before halftime on a historic night for the team after Leandro Trossard’s attempt was parried.
The Gunners were worthy winners but had to overcome another hotly contested match against Atletico in order to claim the trophy for the first time in their history after losing to Barcelona in their only prior final appearance in 2006.
If the outstanding Declan Rice hadn’t made a crucial tackle in the first half to stop Giuliano Simeone from scoring, the outcome would have been different.
After halftime, Gabriel Magalhaes made another goal-saving challenge on the same Atletico player.
Despite missing opportunities to end the match at the opposite end, Arsenal, who persevered in earning a draw in the first leg last week, put on another brilliant defensive performance to limit Atletico’s chances, earning a ninth clean sheet in 14 European games this season.
When substitute Piero Hincapie’s low cross was well-positioned to score in the center of the box, the tireless Viktor Gyokeres spurned the best of them, shooting over the crossbar.
Saka’s goal ultimately proved to be enough, though, as Arsenal played out the last moments in relative comfort. Following the final whistle, there were scenes of jubilation, including manager Mikel Arteta running onto the pitch to join his players.
With West Ham coming up on Super Sunday, Arsenal will now return their attention to the Premier League championship fight, knowing that they will have the opportunity to cap off an incredible season on an unprecedented high in Budapest at the end of May.
Source: newsthemegh.com