Premier League side, Arsenal, have reached the Uefa Champions League final for the first time in twenty (20) years as the goal from England winger, Bukayo Saka, proved enough as the Gunners booted out Atletico Madrid with a lone goal win in the semi final second leg on Tuesday 5 May, 2026 at Emirates Stadium.
This means the hosts scaled through with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Saka netted the goal just a minute to half time after a shot from Leandro Trossard was parried by Atletico goalkeeper, Jan Oblak.
The win means Arsenal will face whoever wins between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG); the Bundesliga 2025/26 Champions will welcome the Ligue 1 toppers to Allianz Arena for the semi final second leg on Wednesday 6 May, 2026 at 20:00 (WAT).
Arsenal will be eyeing to clinch the Uefa Champions League trophy for the first time since 2006, when they lost to Barcelona. The North London club were the deserving winners, but, had to go through a fiercely-fought showdown with the Mattress Makers.
Arsenal’s impressive defensive display hindered Atletico Madrid’s goal chances as the Premier League 2025/26 toppers clinched a ninth clean sheet in 14 European games and a 30th in all competitions this season.
The home side held on and saw out their Spanish visitors. The win ignited joyful scenes of celebration with manager, Mikel Arteta, running onto the pitch to join his players following the final whistle.
On May 30, 2026, Arsenal will be fighting to lift the Uefa Champions League trophy in Budapest, Hungary.
What next for Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta and his side will now shift focus back to the Premier League as they face West Ham United on Sunday 10 May, 2026 at 16:30 (WAT) at London Stadium.
Arsenal, who are toppers of the League, leading second-placed Manchester City by five (5) points after amassing seventy-six (76) points, will be looking to clinch the Premier League and the Uefa Champions League.
Pep Guardiola was unable to guide Manchester City to victory in the Premier League contest against Everton at Hill Dickinson on Monday night.
The Cityzens lost two (2) crucial points and had to share the spoils after Jeremy Doku levelled deep in stoppage time. The Belgian netted the third for City in the 3-3 draw in the 7th minute of additional time.
The outcome placed Arsenal ahead in the Premier League title race, however, the Cityzens have one (1) game unplayed and will be hoping the Gunners either draw or lose to revive their hopes of winning the title.
Photo: Bukayo Saka celebrates with teammates after netting the only goal of the night for Arsenal in the Uefa Champions League 2025/26 semi final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in London
