Arsenal has reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years

After Bukayo Saka’s tap-in in the 45th minute handed Arsenal a 2-1 semifinal aggregate victory against Atlético Madrid, the Gunners advanced to their first UEFA Champions League final in 20 years.

Saka’s close-range strike was enough to earn a 1-0 victory on a tense and very emotional night at Emirates Stadium. At the final whistle, manager Mikel Arteta and his team raced the length of the pitch to celebrate. The Gunners’ lone Champions League debut in 2006 ended in a 2-1 loss to Barcelona; they have never won the competition previously.

Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone both posed early threats for Atlético, but just before halftime, Arsenal gained momentum and broke the impasse. After reaching the finish line, Viktor Gyökeres’ cross ultimately found Leandro Trossard, who created a chance to shoot with his right foot. Jan Oblak, the goalie for Atlético, stopped his attempt, but Saka grabbed the rebound first.

Arsenal beat Atlético to end Champions League final drought

In order to reassure any sceptics that Arsenal is already performing well in comparison, Arteta has frequently brought up the team’s poor performance in this tournament. They made it to the Champions League semifinals for the first time, and now they’re in their second final, twenty years after their first.

The mood at Emirates Stadium was appropriate for the occasion. The noise was loud throughout the whole evening as thousands of supporters lined the streets to welcome the team bus and unfurled a fresh tifo as the squad left. There was nothing less than a celebration as the last whistle blew. At both ends of the pitch, Arteta urged his players to form a queue and sprint toward the fans in celebration.

With 12 months remaining on his current contract, there has been considerable discussion over whether Arteta deserves a new one as Arsenal supporters wonder if he can lead this club to victory after a six-year drought. Although the ultimate question remains unanswered, accomplishments such as these are significant events. The Spaniard may have already silenced those who questioned him.