Saka sinks Atlético to put club in Champions League final
‘We made history again together. I cannot be more proud’
Mikel Arteta said he could not be prouder of Arsenal’s players and supporters after they sealed a place in the second Champions League final in the club’s history. Bukayo Saka’s goal just before half-time was enough to secure victory over Atlético Madrid in the semi-final and means Arsenal will face a formidable task against Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest later this month.
The Atlético substitute Alexander Sørloth spurned a brilliant opportunity to take the tie into extra-time four minutes from the end but the Spanish side could not find a way past an Arsenal defence that has only conceded three goals in seven home matches in this competition and remains unbeaten in 14 matches so far.
Arteta celebrated with his staff at the full-time whistle before leading his players on a lap of honour at a raucous Emirates 20 years after Arsène Wenger led them to their first Champions League final. Thousands of Arsenal supporters got to the ground two hours before the game to welcome the team bus, with a giant tifo that read: “Over land and sea” unveiled before kick-off.
