Ademola Lookman’s Atletico Madrid have been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after a 2-1 aggregate loss to Arsenal in their semifinal tie.
The Spanish side suffered a 1-0 loss in the second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week, confirming their exit.
Arsenal’s solitary goal in the second leg came via star attacker Bukayo Saka. The winger was the quickest to react after Jan Oblak saved Leandro Trossard’s effort, finishing into an empty net on the cusp of halftime.
Atletico came into the second half determined to turn the tie around. They had a huge chance in the 51st minute when Giuliano Simeone pounced onto a loose ball in Arsenal’s box. The midfielder looked set to score until Gabriel intervened, denying the equaliser with a brilliant challenge.
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Ademola Lookman was withdrawn in the 57th minute as Diego Simeone made three changes with the aim of leveling the scoreline.
However, it was Arsenal that got even closer to extending their lead. The Gunners saw a gaping opportunity missed by striker Gyokeres in the 66th minute. Nonetheless, they kept pushing to seal the win.
A couple of yellow cards were flashed in the dying minutes of the game as tempers boiled. The hosts were, however, able to hold onto their lead until the final whistle, sealing their spot in the final.
It means that Arsenal have qualified for the final of the Champions League for the first time since 2006, when they eventually lost to Barcelona.
For Atletico Madrid, it marks a disappointing end to their campaign. The Spanish side will end the 2025/26 season trophyless after initially looking promising to win at least one piece of silverware.
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