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Photo: Getty Images
Over land and sea, Arsenal have conquered Europe — and now they stand just 90 minutes away from European glory. On a night where the stakes could not have been higher, the Gunners delivered.
The opening 43 minutes were relatively quiet until Arsenal struck first through the returning Starboy, Bukayo Saka, who scored his second goal in just two games.
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Atlético Madrid had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, with a huge chance falling to Giuliano Simeone, only for Declan Rice to produce a crucial block. It was a sharp move from Diego Simeone’s side, created brilliantly by Antoine Griezmann in what could potentially have been his final European appearance.
Despite that early scare, Arsenal quickly took control of proceedings, dominating possession with 74% of the ball in the opening 20 minutes. The Atlético resistance eventually cracked on the stroke of half-time.
On the 43rd minute, Viktor Gyökeres burst through the lines and drove towards the edge of the penalty area, forcing Jan Oblak to retreat towards his goal. The Swedish striker then floated a dangerous ball across the box which landed at Leandro Trossard’s feet. After his initial effort was saved, Hale End’s finest, Saka, reacted quickest to tap home and send the Emirates into chaos. Arsenal led 1–0 at the break.
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The roles reversed in the second half, with Atlético desperately pushing for an equaliser while Arsenal defended with the resilience they have shown throughout the entire Champions League campaign.
Early in the second half, Simeone pounced on a loose header from William Saliba back towards David Raya, but world-class defending from Gabriel Magalhães denied the Argentine at the crucial moment. Both Simeones furiously protested on the touchline, with Diego Simeone dressed entirely in black as if awaiting Arsenal’s funeral — one that never came.
The game opened up from there. Atlético pressed relentlessly, but Arsenal remained composed, aided by an outstanding hold-up display from Gyökeres, who constantly brought his teammates into play. Atlético created chances, but it simply was not their night.
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And then came the final whistle.
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The Emirates erupted. More than 60,000 supporters exploded in celebration as Arsenal sealed their place in the Champions League final. Amid the chaos on the touchline, former colleagues Andrea Berta and Diego Simeone exchanged heated words near the technical areas.
But in the end, it was Berta, Arteta and Arsenal who prevailed.
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Budapest awaits.
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