Arsenal reach Champions League final after stunning Atletico Madrid victory in 2026

Arsenal secured their first Champions League final since 2006 with a 2-1 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid in 2026.

Arsenal's European journey Despite the intense focus on their Premier League title pursuit, Arsenal have quietly excelled in Europe this season. Their unbeaten run to the Champions League final in Budapest speaks volumes, with standout performances against Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Sporting Lisbon. The Gunners remain the only undefeated side left in the competition, conceding just six goals across 14 matches. This run has surpassed their previous best undefeated streak of 13 games between March 2005 and April 2006. ## Atletico Madrid semi-final triumph Bukayo Saka’s early goal at the Emirates Stadium secured a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, completing a 2-1 aggregate win in the semi-final second leg. While their display wasn’t flawless, European performances have been among Arsenal’s best this season. Midfielder Declan Rice reflected on their journey, stating: "I don’t think you can underestimate what we have done in this competition up to this point." Rice added: "When we went 1-0 up, I knew we were going to win. I could feel something special building." ## Historic reception for Arsenal The Arsenal squad received a heroes’ welcome upon their return, with supporters lighting flares and chanting—a first for the stadium. Manager Mikel Arteta described it as "an incredible night" and emphasized the significance of the moment. "We made history again together," he said. "I cannot be happier, prouder for everybody that’s involved in this football club. The manner that we [were] received outside the stadium was special and unique." Arteta also highlighted the team’s resilience, saying: "The boys did an incredible job and after 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final." ## Stats and records Arsenal’s Champions League campaign has been defined by defensive solidity, keeping clean sheets in nine of their 14 matches—more than any other team. They’ve also reached the final for the first time since 2006, marking the longest gap between European Cup/Champions League finals by an English club since Liverpool’s 20-year wait ended in 2005. Their undefeated run of 14 games now stands as their longest streak in the competition. ## Title race implications Just 24 hours before the semi-final, Manchester City’s draw at Everton handed Arsenal a five-point lead at the Premier League summit. Despite back-to-back league defeats two weeks prior, the Gunners have rediscovered their form, with a dominant 3-0 win over Fulham over the weekend. Declan Rice acknowledged the club’s recent struggles, noting: "Where this club has come from over the last few years - things that hurt you as a player," referencing three consecutive second-place finishes. "The manager has taken full control. We have kept building - we have kept pushing each other." ## Key player performances Declan Rice was awarded player of the match against Atletico and has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season. Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly earned a rare start, marking just his second appearance in that position for the senior side. Striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored twice against Fulham, played a crucial role in Saka’s winning goal and delivered one of his best performances for the club. Rice believes the team has "turned a corner" and is back to its best, adding: "We went through a stage where we weren’t performing at our best. We were a bit sloppy in our play, but we have found a new way to play again." ## Arteta's vision and atmosphere Mikel Arteta has prioritized transforming the Emirates Stadium into a intimidating fortress to support the team’s ambitions. The recent atmosphere inside the ground was described as the best ever by many attending. Arteta remarked: "That box is ticked, but now we’re going to the level that I think a top club that wants to be fighting consistently for the highest trophies [needs].. and we have to maintain it." The focus now shifts to converting this momentum into silverware.