Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal as Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to reach the Champions League final.
Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League final with a tense 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal in the 45th minute, reacting quickest after Jan Oblak parried Leandro Trossard’s effort, as Mikel Arteta’s side completed a 2-1 aggregate victory.
It was not always comfortable, particularly after the break, but Arsenal defended the tie with maturity and held firm during a scrappy, emotional finish.
David Raya - 6
Did not have a huge volume of saves to make, but his positioning and decision-making were important when Atletico tried to force moments after half-time. Stayed calm under pressure and helped Arsenal manage the final stages.
Ben White - 7
A solid European night at right-back. Had to stay switched on against Atletico’s wide runners and gave Arsenal a steady outlet when they needed to move the ball away from pressure. Not spectacular, but reliable.
William Saliba - 8
Mostly controlled his duels well, although his weak header early in the second half almost allowed Giuliano Simeone a huge chance. Recovered his composure after that and defended the box strongly as Atletico pushed late on.
Gabriel - 9
Produced one of Arsenal’s biggest defensive moments when he recovered to stop Simeone after Atletico looked set to create an open-goal chance. Dominant in the air and aggressive in the right moments. A leader’s performance.
Riccardo Calafiori - 6
Brought energy on the left and defended with commitment, but walked a line physically as the game became more heated. Booked late for throwing the ball away, which summed up how tense the closing stages became.
Declan Rice - 9
Exactly the kind of midfield performance Arsenal needed in a semi-final. Covered ground, broke up play and gave the team structure when the game became stretched. His discipline helped Arsenal stay compact after taking the lead.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 8
Started in midfield again and did not look overawed by the occasion. Used the ball neatly, competed well and helped Arsenal keep control during important spells of the first half. Another mature display.
Eberechi Eze - 7
Gave Arsenal some creativity between the lines, especially before the break. Did not dominate the match, but his movement helped pull Atletico out of shape and gave the hosts a different route through midfield.
Bukayo Saka - 8
The match-winner. Reacted sharply to score in the 45th minute and gave Arsenal the decisive moment they needed. Looked dangerous when he got into the final third and again showed why Arteta has been so keen to get him back to full sharpness.
Leandro Trossard - 7
Played a key role in the goal, controlling the ball before forcing the save that Saka converted. Drifted intelligently across the front line and gave Arsenal useful composure in tight spaces.
Viktor Gyokeres - 8
Did not score, but his role in the winner was crucial. Chased the ball down, forced Oblak out and kept the move alive before Arsenal eventually scored. His physical presence gave Atletico problems throughout the game, making run after run.
Substitutes
Martin Odegaard - 6
Returned from injury and helped Arsenal manage possession after coming on. Not at full rhythm, but his presence gave the crowd and team a lift.
Noni Madueke - 6
Added fresh legs after replacing Saka and helped Arsenal carry the ball up the pitch when Atletico were pushing forward.
Piero Hincapie - 6
Came on to help Arsenal protect the lead and did his job in a tense final phase. Stayed disciplined when Atletico tried to force pressure down Arsenal’s left.
Martin Zubimendi - 6
Came on to give Arsenal more control and defensive structure in midfield as Atletico pushed for a route back into the tie. Kept his positioning well and helped Arteta’s side see out the closing stages.
Gabriel Martinelli - N/A
Introduced late and had limited time to influence the game.