Saka Sends Arsenal Into Champions League Final
Hope
Bukayo Saka’s first-half goal was enough to hand Arsenal a narrow one nil victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, sending the Premier League side into their first UEFA Champions League final in 20 years.
Arsenal booked their place in the final after a tense semi-final second-leg clash in north London, with Saka converting from close range just before half-time to seal the victory for his team.
Mikel Arteta’s side controlled much of the early play, but Atlético threatened first when Julián Álvarez fired wide from a Giuliano Simeone cross in the opening minutes.
The breakthrough came late in the first half when Viktor Gyökeres found Leandro Trossard inside the box. The Belgian’s effort was parried by Jan Oblak, allowing Saka to react quickly and score from close range.
Atletico responded after the break, with Antoine Griezmann forcing a strong save from David Raya. Both sides made changes around the hour mark, but Arsenal remained solid defensively.
Late chances fell to Martin Odegaard and Gyokeres, but neither could extend the lead. However, Arsenal maintained control in the closing stages to secure progression.
The result sees Arsenal advance to the Champions League final in Budapest, for the first time since 2006.
