Arsenal Beat Atletico to Reach Champions League Final for First Time in 20 Years
Axios (Tổng hợp từ Al Jazeera English)
Bukayo Saka's goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory. It marks Arsenal's first final appearance in 20 years, since losing to Barcelona in 2006. Arteta's side will face PSG or Bayern Munich in the final in Budapest on May 30.
Arsenal qualified for the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years after Bukayo Saka's lone goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Mikel Arteta's side advanced with a 2-1 aggregate score following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Madrid last week. Saka's strike just before half-time proved enough for Arsenal to hold on to their advantage.
Arsenal will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final in Budapest on May 30. Defending champions PSG, who beat Arsenal in last year's semi-final, lead 5-4 ahead of the second leg in Munich on Wednesday.
It was a night of relief for Arsenal, who returned to a Champions League final for the first time since losing 2-1 to Barcelona in 2006, their only previous appearance in the title match. Arsenal have never won the Champions League; their major European titles are the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup and the 1970 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Their most recent continental final was a 4-1 loss to Chelsea in the 2019 Europa League. This season is shaping up to be Arsenal's greatest yet as they chase a Premier League and Champions League double. Even Arsene Wenger's “Invincibles” side – champions in 2004 without losing a game – might tip their hats to this current generation if they complete the feat.
Bukayo Saka, a product of Arsenal's academy under Arteta, became the hero. Arsenal, who lead the Premier League, received a boost when Manchester City drew with Everton. They will be champions if they win their final three games against West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace. After deciding the title race, Arsenal will head to Hungary to chase their first Champions League trophy.
Arsenal had been derided for a lack of nerve after a run of four defeats in six matches. But the labels of perennial nearly-men and chronic underachievers are on the verge of being erased forever. Thousands of supporters gathered outside the stadium before kick-off, creating a raucous atmosphere.
The match began with early scares: Julian Alvarez shot wide, Giuliano Simeone hit the post. Arsenal recovered and dominated, leading to the goal in the 44th minute. Viktor Gyokeres cleverly ran into space and passed to Leandro Trossard inside the box. Trossard fired low, goalkeeper Jan Oblak parried weakly straight to Saka, who tucked the ball home from four meters. Arteta celebrated with delight in a carnival atmosphere.
In the second half, Atletico tried to fight back, but Gabriel Magalhaes made a timely tackle on Giuliano Simeone, and David Raya saved a fierce strike from Antoine Griezmann. Arteta revealed he had visualized Arsenal conquering the Champions League from his early, difficult days. Now, the Spanish manager is one win away from making that dream reality.
