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Saka sends Arsenal into UCL final after 20 years
Arsenal booked a place in the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in two decades after edging Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate, thanks to a decisive goal from Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who were knocked out in last season’s semi-finals by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, avoided a repeat exit as Saka’s strike kept alive their hopes of a Champions League and Premier League double.
With the tie level at 1-1 after the first leg, the return match at Emirates Stadium began cautiously, with both sides creating few clear chances early on.
Saka made the breakthrough in the 44th minute, tapping in after goalkeeper Jan Oblak parried Leandro Trossard’s shot following a well-built move involving Viktor Gyokeres.
Atletico Madrid had their moments, with Declan Rice making a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone in the first half. After the break, Gabriel also stepped in to stop Simeone from equalising after he had rounded David Raya.
Arsenal had an opportunity to extend their lead when Gyokeres fired over from close range after meeting a cross from substitute Piero Hincapie.
However, the missed chance proved costly for Atletico as Arsenal held on to secure their place in the final, their first since losing to Barcelona in 2006.
They will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final on May 30 in Budapest as they aim to win Europe’s top club competition for the first time, reports UNB.