By the narrowest of margins and with time running out. That is how Mikel Arteta’s side secured their place in the Champions League final against Atlético Madrid. Having weathered the storm at the Metropolitano, the Emirates Stadium was decked out in its finest to send its players off to Budapest in style.

The match was very evenly contested, with no clear-cut chances for either side. Saka tipped the balance on the stroke of half-time, capitalising on a rebound from Oblak following a shot by Trosard. Early in the second half, Atlético Madrid had their clearest and only chance to level the tie, but Giuliano Simeone failed to convert when he had everything in his favour.

In the closing stages, Atlético Madrid gave it a go, but they were no match for an Arsenal side that defended with discipline and didn’t face too much trouble. The Emirates Stadium was in fine fettle. The fans never stopped cheering on their team, and ecstasy erupted at the final whistle. Arsenal are back in the Champions League final twenty years on. It will be the second in their history.

Champions League semi-final results

• Arsenal 1-0 Atlético Madrid (2-1 on aggregate)
• Bayern Munich 1-1 PSG (5-6 on aggregate)

PSG will be their opponents in Budapest

Having achieved their best-ever result in the Champions League, Arsenal are aiming to be crowned European champions for the first time in their history. To do so, they must overcome the reigning champions: PSG. The Parisian side built on their 5-4 first-leg lead and secured a draw in Munich against Bayern, which secured their place in the final.

Following the spectacular first leg, Ousmane Dembélé put the French side ahead with an early goal. Following that, Luis Enrique opted for a more pragmatic rather than spectacular approach, without taking too many risks and, above all, without leaving spaces for the Germans to exploit. Harry Kane’s goal in stoppage time merely added some excitement to the closing moments, but Bayern had no chance.

On 30 May at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Arsenal will be looking to make history by winning their first Champions League title. The main change will be the kick-off time, as instead of starting at 8pm as has been the norm until now, the match will kick off at 5pm, a move by which UEFA aims to boost viewership worldwide.

Date, time and TV coverage of the Champions League final

PSG - Arsenal (30/05 18:00, TNT Sports and HBO MAX)