Arsenal Eye First Champions League Final in 20 Years Against Atletico Madrid
Arsenal stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid at the Emirates in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.
A 1-1 draw in Spain has left the tie finely balanced, with Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez both converting penalties in the first leg.
Victory would send the Gunners to their first Champions League final in 20 years, since their 2006 defeat to Barcelona, and extend their unbeaten run in this season’s competition to a record 14 matches.
Mikel Arteta’s side have already recorded 10 wins and three draws, including five victories at home, and boast an eight-game unbeaten streak against Spanish opposition.
Gyokeres, who scored in Madrid, could etch his name into the record books by becoming only the third Premier League player to score in both legs of a Champions League semi-final, following Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez.
Atletico, meanwhile, are chasing their third final appearance in 13 years under Diego Simeone. The Argentine coach could join an elite group of managers with multiple finals at a single club, though his side’s recent record in England is worrying, six defeats in their last seven away Champions League matches.
Julian Alvarez remains Atletico’s key threat, having been directly involved in 14 goals this campaign. Another contribution would see him equal Harry Kane and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s tally of 15, while two more would match Kylian Mbappe’s leading total of 16.
