A Single Goal Takes Arsenal to the Champions League Final

Rudi hendrik Editor : Sajadi - Wednesday, 6 May 2026 - 04:40 WIB

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 - 04:40 WIB

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London, MINA – Arsenal held a 1-0 lead over Atletico Madrid throughout the first half of the second leg of the 2025/2026 Champions League semifinals at the Emirates Stadium, London on Wednesday early morning WIB.

After a stalemate throughout the first half, Bukayo Saka (7) scored for Arsenal in the 45th minute. The 1-0 scoreline made the aggregate score 2-1 in favor of the hosts.

Down a goal, Atletico Madrid took the initiative to dominate possession and attack.

The visitors posed a serious threat through Giuliano Simeone (20) in the 51st minute, but his shot in front of goal was blocked in time.

In the 57th minute, manager Mikel Arteta made several substitutions, including goal scorer Bukayo Saka.

Atletico Madrid continued to pound Arsenal’s defense, which was now relying more on counterattacks.

In the 66th minute, Arsenal’s counterattack nearly resulted in a goal. Viktor Gyokeres (14), who received a cross right in front of the goal, still failed to hit the target.

With fifteen minutes of normal time remaining, Diego Simeone began to panic on the sidelines.

Struggling to penetrate Arsenal’s defense, Atletico relied on long balls and crosses. However, they were constantly blocked by the home side.

Real Madrid’s golden opportunity came in the 86th minute when Alexander Sorloth (9) shot across goal. However, an Arsenal defender was on hand to close the gap.

Tension rose throughout the stands as the referee added five minutes of stoppage time.

As the minutes ticked by, the home crowd began to cheer, and the Spanish crowd showed gloomy and sad faces.

Finally, the final whistle from German referee Daniel Siebert gave Arsenal the win and a place in the 2025/2026 Champions League final in Istanbul. Bukayo Saka’s lone goal secured the win. []

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)