Arsenal reach first Champions League final in 20 years as Gunners achieve stunning piece of history

Arsenal will contest a Champions League final for the first time in 20 years after a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid .

Mikel Arteta‘s side advanced to the final thanks to a 2-1 aggregate victory and will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest on Saturday May 30.

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Bukayo Saka was the toast of the Emirates Stadium when he was quickest to react to a loose ball to tap home from close range.

Much like the first leg, it was a cagey affair from the off with both sides enjoying spells of possession without creating any meaningful opportunities.

Star boy shines on the big stage

However, Saka’s perfect timing handed the Gunners the initiative on the stroke of half time to ensure Arteta’s side had one foot in the final.

Saka’s goal ensured he became the first Arsenal player to score in two different semi-finals in the UEFA Champions League following his strike at the Parc des Princes 12 months ago.

Atletico went close through Guiliano Simeone early in the second half but was denied by some heroic last-ditch defending by Gabriel.

Viktor Gyokeres then squandered a gilt-edged chance to put daylight between themselves and Atletico when he fired over from 12 yards out.

The Spaniards, although dogged throughout, were spurred on by their animated boss Diego Simeone on the touchline but were unable to truly test Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

The closing moments were somewhat surprisingly comfortable for the Premier League leaders and in the dying moments the Emirates rose in unison to guide Arteta’s troops home.

There were fireworks on the touchline as the two benches clashed in the dying seconds.

And the final whistle was greeted with an explosion of noise as the rain poured down at the Emirates.

Arsenal’s bench darted onto the pitch in celebration as the fans sang their adopted anthem of ‘North London Forever’.

Fireworks lit up the sky as the players celebrated with supporters in front of the Clock End.

Discussing his side’s heroics in reaching just their second ever Champions League final, Saka paid tribute to his teammates and the role of the fans in getting the Gunners over the line.

“You’re taking me away from the celebrations, man! It is so beautiful. You see what it means to us and what it means to the fans,” the winger told Amazon Prime.

“Yes, we’re so happy. Easier said than done. This game was a high-pressure game. It means a lot to both sides.

“We managed to manage it well, and take ourselves to the final. It started before the game when we were arriving on the coach. I have never seen anything like it.

“Sometimes it bounces for you, and sometimes it doesn’t, but you have to be there, and I was there – I got my goal.”

On Arsenal’s mental preparation for the match, Saka added: “There is no way you are going to come to this position and not have pressure.

“How can you not expect people to talk about you and criticise you? That’s why we have got to block it out.

“It is a beautiful story and I hope it ends well in Budapest.”

A historic European campaign

The win means Arsenal have gone 14 consecutive Champions League games unbeaten for the first time in their history.

And one more win later this month would see the north London club crowned champions of Europe for the first time in their history.

It capped off a superb few days for Arteta and his side following Saturday’s 3-0 win over Fulham to send them six-points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Things got even better for the Gunners when title rivals Manchester City were held to a draw at Everton on Monday night to put Arsenal in pole position to claim their first Premier League title since 2004.

Arsenal now sit on the precipice of greatness with a historic double now well within their grasp.