Arsenal is one step away from ending one of the longest droughts in the history of the UEFA Champions League, having secured its place in the final of the 2025-2026 edition, bringing it closer to achieving its first continental title in history.

Arsenal qualified for the final for only the second time after defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, securing their spot with an aggregate score of 2-1.

Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the match just before the end of the first half, in a contest characterized by competitiveness and physical strength. The London team's defense then successfully maintained their lead until the final whistle, as the Spanish team struggled to break through the organized defensive setup.

This qualification marks a historic return for Arsenal to the final scene after 20 years since their only previous appearance, when they lost to Barcelona 2-1 in the 2006 final held at the Stade de France.

Arsenal has played 225 matches in the European Cup and Champions League without winning the title, the highest number among clubs that have not claimed the trophy, reflecting the magnitude of the challenge awaiting the team in the upcoming final.

The final is scheduled to take place on May 30 at the "Puskás Arena" in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, where Arsenal will face one of the continent's giants, either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite the strength of potential competitors, Arsenal relies on its defensive solidity, which has emerged as one of the key elements of its superiority in the tournament this season. This could give them a real chance to make history and win their first European title.