Arsenal is a Champions League finalist. In a highly contested match, they defeated Atlético de Madrid 1-0 at home and will be in the definition that will be played in Budapest. It will be revenge for the Gunners, who reached the final in 2006, but now they will have the second chance in a very good present. Sadness for Diego Simeone, who continues to find continental competition elusive. Also for the six Argentine players who wear the Colchonero shirt.
The locals, faithful to their style, were the ones who took center stage from the beginning. Long possessions, circulation and movement of your players. However, the Madrid team stood very well defensively. Arsenal had clear situations, but the visitor had theirs, although none of them managed to achieve it.
Mikel Arteta’s team was patient enough during that first half and in the last minute they had their reward. A deflection of Ruggeri’s head left Viktor Gyokeres comfortable, who dominated the ball and looked for a cross. It was received by Leandro Trossard, who raised his head and hit the goal. Jan Oblak rebounded and, with two marks on him, Bukayo Saka scored 1 to 0which was going to be the only goal of the game.
At the beginning of the second stage, Atlético de Madrid He had the obligation to go out and look for a tie. He became owner of the ball, but Arsenal He knew how to defend himself well. As his rival moved forward, the spaces were much larger, but he could not take advantage of them. DT Simeone He put offensive variants, but he did not achieve depth at any time. Giuliano Simeone He could not define in a one-on-one and later, Sorloth missed the ball. Arsenal He began to have the ball and defend himself with it until the final minutes while the fans were delirious in the Emirates Stadium, which looked packed.
The match ended, Arsenal won 1-0 and with the overall result of 2-1 they became the first finalist in the Champions League. It is the second time that Londoners have reached a definition. That time was in 2005/2006 and they lost to Barcelona. This year they will have their revenge in Budapest, on May 30, and they await the winner of the series between PSG and Bayern Munichwhich in the first leg ended 5 to 4 in favor of the French.
Atlético de Madrid added a lot of disappointment. He was left on the verge of another final of a competition that he could never win.
