By Canadian Press on May 5, 2026.
LONDON (AP) — Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a 1-0 lead just before halftime in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Saka was on hand to tap in a rebound in the 45th minute to send the hosts into the break with the advantage after Leandro Trossard’s shot was saved by Jan Oblak. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
Arsenal had enjoyed about two thirds of the possession until then without managing to test Oblak in a cagey and physical encounter.
Arsenal wanted a penalty when Antoine Griezmann bundled Trossard over in the area in the 35th, but referee Daniel Siebert waved play on.
The winner will take on either defending champion Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich. PSG won the first leg of their semifinal 5-4, and the second leg is in Munich on Wednesday.
Arsenal is hoping to reach the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years, with Atletico looking to end a 10-year wait. Both teams are looking for a first European Cup title.
Atletico has reached the final twice under Simeone, in 2014 and 2016, losing both times to crosstown rival Real Madrid.
Arsenal lost its only final — in 2006 to Barcelona.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Mattias Karen, The Associated Press
14
-13
