Match Report: Saka sends Arsenal to Champions League Final

Bukayo Saka sends Arsenal to their first Champions League final since 2006 in a narrow 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.

The only goal of the game fell on the stroke of half-time thanks to the Gunners’ star boy who reacted first to Oblak’s parried save.

The move started with a superb pass from William Saliba into the path of Viktor Gyokeres. Atleti goalkeeper Jan Oblak came out to intercept the pass but was beaten to the ball by Gyokeres on the right side of the penalty area.

The Swede crossed to the back post and found Leandro Trossard who shimmied inside to strike. He was denied by Oblak, but the ball fell right into the path of Saka, who reacted first to prod home and give Arsenal the advantage on the stroke of half-time.

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Diego Simeone’s side started fast at the Emirates but the hosts held firm and kept the visitors at bay to keep the score level. There were no shots on target for Atletico Madrid in the first half and none for Arsenal either until the 44th minute.

In the second half, Gyokeres was presented with a golden opportunity to double Arsenal’s lead with a first-time strike but he blazed the effort over the crossbar. It was a chance manufactured by Piero Hincapie, who drilled a fantastic cross towards the penalty spot, but Gyokeres was unable to keep his shot down.

Atleti had chances to equalise but were unable to capitalise. Perhaps the best was in the 50^th minute as Saliba’s headed pass fell short of Raya and Giuliano Simeone was through on goal with the net gaping. Somehow, though, Gabriel managed to get back and make an incredible last-ditch challenge to maintain Arsenal’s lead.

Simeone subsequently wanted a penalty as he felt he was fouled, but after a VAR check, the on-field decision was confirmed.

The final stages were understandably nervy for Mikel Arteta’s side as Atletico Madrid had several late chances. However, they managed to hold on to their narrow lead to secure their spot in the final at the end of the month. The Gunners will face either Bayern Munich or PSG in the final, which takes place in Budapest’s Puskas Arena.