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Arsenal players hope for positive end to 'beautiful story' as Gunners reach Champions League final
For just the second time in their history, Arsenal will play in the Champions League final.
The Gunners booked their place in the coveted match by defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, claiming a 2-1 aggregate victory across the two legs of the semi-finals.
It was as hard-fought a match as was expected between the two sides, who are both known for their hard-nosed, scrappy football. However, the Gunners were clearly in control for most of the match, winning the statistics battles nearly across the board, and a heads-up reaction by Bukayo Saka just before halftime resulted in the only goal of the game.
After Leandro Trossard collected the ball near the top of the Atleti box and fired in a low shot through several bodies, Saka was the first to pounce on the rebound and slot the ball past sprawling goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
"Sometimes it bounces for you, and sometimes it doesn't, but you have to be there, and I was there," Saka told Prime Video after the match. "I got my goal."
That there were no other goals after Saka's 44th-minute strike was not at all indicative of the intensity with which both sides played in the second half, as neither team was willing to give an inch with a place in the final on the line.
Arsenal, having given up just three goals at home during this edition of the Champions League, were not about to allow their visitors any good looks at Daivd Raya's net on Tuesday.
Even when the match inevitably got stretched during the final moments as Atleti pushed for an equalizer, the Gunners held sturdy until the final whistle brought rapturous applause throughout the North London stadium. The Arsenal players were right there with their fans, celebrating a first Champions League final since 2006.
"I don't think you can underestimate what we have done in this competition up to this point," Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said. "I think we have every right to celebrate that moment. The most prestigious competition in club football. We are just trying to soak it all in.
"We knew coming into the game what was at stake. If you can't get up for that, then you can't get up for any game of football. When we went 1-0 up, I knew we were going to win. I could feel something special building."
The Gunners still have yet to lose a match in this season's Champions League, and continue to lead the Premier League title race with just weeks remaining. Their defensive tactics are a big reason why they are in contention for the two biggest trophies they can win this season, but there has also been criticism directed towards Arsenal for their conservative approach under manager Mikel Arteta.
Regardless, the team will now turn their focus back to their final three Premier League matches of the campaign before looking to win their first Champions League title on May 30.
For Saka, the criticism will have been worth it if the Gunners are able to fulfill their dreams this month.
"There is no way you are going to come to this position and not have pressure," Saka said. "How can you not expect people to talk about you and criticise you? That's why we have got to block it out.
"It is a beautiful story and I hope it ends well in Budapest."
How to watch the Champions League on DAZN
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Canada: Watch every Champions League game with a DAZN subscription
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U.S.: Watch three exclusive Champions League games every match week, in Spanish language, with a DAZN subscription
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New Zealand: Watch every Champions League game with a DAZN subscription.
