Arsenal secured a place in the Champions League final for the first time since 2006 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Bukayo Saka's first-half goal proved decisive as Mikel Arteta's side held firm against a spirited Atlético comeback attempt.
The hosts dominated the opening period and took the lead in the 44th minute when William Saliba's incisive pass found Viktor Gyökeres, whose cross reached Leandro Trossard. Jan Oblak could only parry Trossard's shot, and Saka was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound from close range.
Atlético pushed for an equaliser after the break, with Julián Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann testing David Raya, but the Arsenal defence – the competition's meanest, with only six goals conceded – held firm. A late miss from substitute Alexander Sørloth, who swung at an inviting low cross in the 86th minute, summed up the visitors' frustration.
Arsenal will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final, and while they may be underdogs, they remain unbeaten in this season's tournament. The victory continues a remarkable campaign under Arteta, who led joyous celebrations at the final whistle, with the prospect of ending the club's long wait for European glory now tantalisingly close.
