Arsenal, Saka is enough to return to Champions League final after 20 years

The first finalist of the Champions League 2025/26 is Arteta’s Arsenal. The London team overcomes Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Emirates in the return semifinal.

In the first minutes Alvarez immediately tries to create danger, but it is the English who control the possession of the ball better. Rice attempts two long-distance strikes and the first half seems to be heading toward 0-0. However, moments before halftime comes the goal that unlocks the match. In the 45th minute Gyokeres attacks the depth and serves Trossard, who controls and kicks right-footed. Oblak clears the former Brighton man’s shot, but on the tap-in Saka is the quickest and scores from a few steps.

We go to rest on 1-0 for the hosts. In the second half the match becomes much more lively, with the teams long and chances on both sides, although Simeone decides to substitute both Alvarez and Griezmann.

Near the hour mark Gyokeres wastes a possible 2-0 lead on a nice cross from Hincapié. In the final few minutes to the 90th minute, Sorloth has the most important chance for 1-1, but he does not take advantage of it. Arsenal held on until the end and won the victory and qualification. Arteta will play in the final on May 30 in Budapest against the winner of Bayern Munich-PSG, while Atletico Madrid exits one step short of the last act.