Arsenal reached the UEFA Champions League final after defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 [1] on May 5, 2026.
The victory marks the club's first appearance in the tournament's final in 20 years [2]. This achievement signals a return to the elite level of European football for the North London side after two decades of absence from the championship match.
The second-leg match took place at Emirates Stadium, where Bukayo Saka scored a first-half goal to secure the win [3]. The result brings the aggregate score to 2-1 [4] in favor of Arsenal, eliminating the Spanish side from the competition.
Manager Mikel Arteta said the team's performance and tactical execution led to the historic result. Following the match, Arteta said the energy of the home crowd and the impact of the decisive goal were key.
"We've made history," Arteta said [5].
Arteta said the environment at the stadium was unlike anything he had experienced previously. "I've never felt that atmosphere before," Arteta said [6].
The manager also said Saka's contribution to the aggregate victory was important. "Bukayo's goal was the moment that sealed it for us," Arteta said [7].
Arsenal will now travel to Budapest, Hungary, for the final [8]. The championship match is scheduled for May 30, 2026 [9].
“"We've made history."”
This result ends a 20-year drought for Arsenal in Europe's premier club competition. By overcoming Atletico Madrid, Arteta has validated his long-term project to rebuild the squad into a continental contender, positioning the club to potentially secure its first-ever Champions League title in Budapest.
