ARSENAL 1-0 ATLETICO MADRID (2-1): A solitary goal from Bukayo Saka on the brink of the half-time break saw the Gunners through to their first Champions League final since 2006
21:53, 05 May 2026Updated 22:14, 05 May 2026
Arsenal are on their way to Budapest(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Arsenal are through to the Champions League final after grinding out a 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid. Last week’s dramatic 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital set up a finely-poised second leg at a raucous Emirates.
It was decided by Bukayo Saka, who on his second start since returning from injury, and while wearing the captain’s armband, was first to react to a Leandro Trossard shot which had been saved by Jan Oblak. There were appeals for offside, but Saka had kept himself behind Atletico’s last defender before converting the tap-in.
Arsenal then defended resolutely to stave off wave after wave of attack, and they could’ve been further in front had Viktor Gyokeres finished a gilt-edged chance. But one goal was enough, as Mikel Arteta’s side got the better of Diego Simeone’s to book their ticket to Budapest, where they’ll face either Bayern Munich or holders Paris Saint-Germain.
Here are our player ratings from the Emirates.
WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football’s greatest tournament – Buy the Special Edition today
READ MORE: Thierry Henry delivers powerful address after being abused on social mediaREAD MORE: Arsenal transfer officially confirmed as statement reveals £60m release clause
David Raya – 7
His kicking has not been so good in the past few weeks but made top saves.
Ben White – 6
Still not back to his best but is slowly improving and has better quality on the ball.
William Saliba – 6
Lucky to get away with one big mistake – a sloppy back header – but had a let-off.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Made a sensational, goal-saving challenge to bail out his defensive partner.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Good on the ball and his selection over Hincapie showed attacking intent.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Did OK, put in a shift but did not make things happen. Subbed before the hour
Declan Rice – 9
Covered every blade of grass. His drive and determination was fantastic.
Who was your Man of the Match? Let us know your pick in the comments section.
Declan Rice was outstanding – as he was in Madrid last Wednesday(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
This was the biggest selection call – and he repaid Arteta’s faith again. Excellent.
Bukayo Saka – 8
The epitome of a big-game player. Captain, goalscorer and inspiration.
Viktor Gyokeres – 8
Excellent on Saturday and came to life as the game wore on. His shot led to opener.
Leandro Trossard – 8
This is more like it. Played well again. Worked tirelessly, contributed but missed big chance.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI(Image: Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)
Substitutes
Odegaard for Eze, 58 mins – 6
Madueke for Saka, 58 mins – 6
Hincapie for Calafiori, 58 mins – 7
Zubimendi for Lewis-Skelly, 74 mins – 6
Martinelli for Trossard, 83 mins – 6
Unused subs: Arrizabalaga, Setford, Mosquera, Norgaard, Dowman, Salmon, Havertz, Jesus
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Pubill, Le Normand (Molina, 57 mins), Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone (Sorloth, 57 mins), Koke, Llorente, Lookman (Cardoso, 57 mins); Griezmann (Baena, 67 mins), Alvarez (Almada, 67 mins)
Unused subs: Musso, Lenglet, Bonar, Gimenez, Diaz, Vargas, Mendoza
Man of the Match: Declan Rice.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.