At a Glance:
How Bukayo Saka reacted to Arsenal beating Atletico Madrid.
Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes all ecstatic.
Saka delivers on six-year-old promise to Arsenal fans.
Bukayo Saka emerged as Arsenal’s match-winner as the Gunners trounced Atletico Madrid 1-0 to book their places into the Champions League final.
Saka starred against Atletico Madrid, particularly before the stroke of half-time by pouncing on Jan Oblak’s failed attempt to parry the ball out of danger by scoring the all-important goal to settle the tie.
Having recently returned from injury, the England international would have been desperate to make a statement on the pitch. It’s safe to say he has, shining against Diego Simeone’s side and Fulham.
Saka emulated Thierry Henry, who famously scored a stunner against Real Madrid to send Arsenal to their first Champions League final.
Bukayo Saka fell to his knees and prayed after Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
Being an academy graduate, Saka rejoiced after Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid, as per journalist Sam Dean.
The 24-year-old fell to his knees and prayed, alongside Noni Madueke and Gabriel Magalhaes after the final whistle was blown. However, other members of the Arsenal cohort were similarly joyous.
Martin Odegaard was caught “pounding the turf”, William Saliba and Gabriel were wrestling each other and Mikel Arteta was running constantly.
Remarkable scenes on the Emirates pitch at the full-time whistle. Saka, Madueke and Gabriel instantly falling to their knees in prayer. Odegaard pounding the turf in joy. Saliba and Gabriel then wrestling each other. Arteta can't stop running. That TikTok song at full volume.
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) May 5, 2026
All in all, their reactions summed up how massive it is for the club to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
More to follow…
Bukayo Saka has fulfilled his promise to Arsenal fans
Regardless of whether Arsenal go on to win the Champions League, Saka’s goal against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday will be remembered by generations of Gunners supporters.
In 2020, the Englishman famously took to X and wrote: “You deserve more, Arsenal fans”, followed by a heartbreak emoji.
You deserve more Arsenal fans 💔 pic.twitter.com/oWrcjchIZd
— Bukayo Saka (@BukayoSaka87) December 16, 2020
Some might argue that Saka’s promise will only be fulfilled if Arsenal win a trophy this season.
However, the fact that he has spearheaded the club in reaching such a unique landmark in the club’s enough to suggest that the winger has deliver on his guarantee.
Srinivas Sadhanand
Srinivas Sadhanand is a writer for Read Arsenal and Read Man City, with over eight years of experience as a sports journalist. He has worked for established companies such as GRV Media, The Economic Times, Urban Pitch and Sportskeeda among several others. From interview athletes to writing detailed tactical pieces and covering the impact streetwear and music in football, he has many strings to his bow as a journalist. Being a lifelong Manchester City fan, he specialises in writing about them and the Premier League in particular. Away from the desk, he loves watching European football, cricket, films, listening to music and exploring new foods.
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