Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Saka fires Gunners into first Champions League final in 20 years

Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Saka fires Gunners into first Champions League final in 20 years

Arsenal claimed a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium, advancing to the final 2-1 on aggregate

Atletico started brightly, producing the game’s first attempt in the eighth minute. Giuliano Simeone combined with Julian Alvarez, but the Argentine could not get his effort on target.

Moments later, Declan Rice had to be alert, making a crucial block to prevent Simeone from connecting with Antoine Griezmann’s cross.

Arsenal struggled to created any clear cut chance, but had two penalty appeals waved away after the half hour mark, as Griezmann fouled Leandro Trossard, before Rice’s shot struck David Hancko’s arm.

The hosts broke the deadlock just before the stroke of half-time. Bukayo Saka swept home from close range after Jan Oblak saved Trossard’s initial effort.