Sports

Arteta hails players and fans as Arsenal return to UCL final after 20 years

Luke Oluoch 06th May, 2026 07:03 AM

Mikel Arteta praised his Arsenal players and the electric atmosphere created by the fans as the Gunners battled to a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The win at the Emirates Stadium secured a 2-1 aggregate triumph, sending Arsenal to the UEFA Champions League final for only the second time in their history.

Following a tense 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano a week ago, Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal just before halftime to break the deadlock in the second leg. Speaking after the clash, the Spaniard attributed the historic win to his players’ tenacity and the raucous home support.

Arsenal FC players, Bukayo Saka included during a past photo. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/Arsenal

“It is an incredible night. We made history again together, and I cannot be more proud of everyone,” Arteta said. “The welcome we received outside the stadium was special and unique. The atmosphere our supporters created provided the energy we needed; the way they managed every ball with us made it the best I have ever felt in this stadium,” he acknowledged.

Arteta once again trusted his instincts, handing youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly a start in midfield ahead of Martín Zubimendi, following the Englishman’s standout performance against Fulham.

The tactical switch paid off as Arsenal controlled the tempo, propelled by the momentum of the home crowd.

Diego Simeone’s side, usually clinical in knockout football, was stifled by the Arsenal defense. The Spanish giants were limited to zero shots on target in the opening 45 minutes. The tie took its dramatic turn just before the break when Saka fired home, sending the Emirates into a frenzy.

Arteta on Atleti

Despite the victory, Arteta remained humble regarding the challenge posed by the visitors.

“Atletico is an incredible team. The way they compete and the solutions they find to problems is the reason they are perennial contenders with a tactical master like Diego Simeone. It is incredible, and it is why the margins were so small,” he added.

For Arsenal, the result marks a monumental milestone. After 20 years, the North London club returns to the final of Europe’s elite club competition, with its fans hopeful of a different outcome.