Arsenal has secured its place in the Champions League final for the 2025/26 season, becoming the first team to reach this stage after overcoming Atletico Madrid in the semifinals.
The decisive moment came just before halftime when winger Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the match, giving Arsenal a 2-1 aggregate victory over the Spanish side.
The goal was a result of a well-executed play initiated by Arsenal’s forward Viktor Jokerez, who won the ball on the right flank and delivered a cross to teammate Leandro Trossard. Although Atletico’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak managed to block Trossard’s shot, Saka was quick to react and netted the rebound.
In the second half, Arsenal had a chance to extend their lead, but Jokerez’s attempt sailed over the crossbar. Ultimately, the match concluded with a slim victory for the London club.
Champions League Semifinal (Second Leg)
Arsenal (England) — Atletico Madrid (Spain) 1:0
Goal: Saka, 44
Aggregate Score: 2:1
This marks only the second time Arsenal has reached the Champions League final, with their previous appearance occurring in 2006, where they were defeated by Barcelona 2-1.
The opponent for Arsenal in the final will be determined in the upcoming second leg of the match between reigning champions PSG and Bayern Munich, scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, at 22:00 Kyiv time.
The Champions League trophy will be contested on Saturday, May 30, at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.
Arsenal has reached the Champions League final after defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the second leg of the semifinals, securing a 2-1 aggregate win. The final will take place on May 30 in Budapest.