Arteta Delighted as Arsenal Reaches Champions League Final for First Time in 20 Years
Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years after Bukayo Saka's winning goal secured a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid on May 5.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed delight as the Gunners advanced to the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 20 years after defeating Atletico Madrid with a combined two-leg score of 2-1. Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid at Emirates Stadium in the second leg of the 2025-26 Champions League semi-final on May 5, with a winning goal from Bukayo Saka in the 45th minute. The victory sends Arsenal to the final with a 2-1 aggregate score, marking their first Champions League final appearance in 20 years since the 2005-06 season and their second final in club history. After the match, Arteta stated: "This is an incredible evening. We've made history together once again. I'm happy and incredibly proud of everyone involved with this club. The atmosphere outside the stadium was special and unique—the energy the fans created was exceptional. I've never felt like this on a pitch before. We gave everything. The players performed incredibly. After 20 years, and for only the second time in our history, we've returned to the Champions League final."