Author: Gabby

Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak has conceded that Arsenal fully merited their place in the Champions League final following his team’s elimination on Tuesday night. The Gunners secured a 1-0 victory over the Spanish side, courtesy of an early first-half goal from Bukayo Saka, which proved sufficient to end their two-decade wait for a final appearance.

Oblak, whose error inadvertently gifted Saka the goal, acknowledged that Mikel Arteta’s side were the superior outfit over both legs. Speaking to the media post-match, the Slovenian echoed his manager Diego Simeone’s sentiment that Arsenal were the better team across the tie.

“The team that wins is always the best. They won, so congratulations to them. Naturally, we feel disappointment and frustration, but that is football,” Oblak stated. He added that Atletico showed too much respect in the first half and were hesitant to play their natural game. “The second period was better. Maybe we showed them too much respect initially and were scared to play. It improved later, but it wasn’t enough to reach the final. It is unfortunate for us and we are disappointed, but that is life. Arsenal were superior, and they are in the final.”

Arsenal etched their name into the Champions League history books on Tuesday, setting a series of remarkable records following their 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the semi-final second leg. Bukayo Saka’s decisive strike propelled the Gunners into the final for the first time since 2006, ending a 20-year wait. According to OptaJoe, this marks the longest gap between European Cup/Champions League final appearances for an English club since Liverpool’s 20-year hiatus in 2005.

Moreover, the north London side became the first team to remain unbeaten through their opening 14 matches of a single Champions League campaign, a feat no other club has achieved. They also matched their all-time club record for wins in a season, having now secured 41 victories across all competitions—a tally previously reached only in the 1970-71 campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s squad will now await the winner of the other semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, as they prepare to compete for European glory. The historic night at the Emirates Stadium not only secured their spot in the final but also underscored Arsenal’s resilience and tactical discipline under Arteta.

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry singled out Viktor Gyokeres for special recognition following the Gunners’ narrow 1-0 triumph over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg. The Swedish striker, who moved to the Emirates from Sporting CP last summer, delivered a commanding performance that earned him plaudits from the club’s legendary former forward.

Speaking during CBS Sports’ post-match coverage, Henry highlighted how Gyokeres had faced skepticism earlier in the season but has now proven his worth. ‘People had their doubts about Gyokeres, and that’s okay. The key is to use that as fuel, and he’s done exactly that,’ Henry remarked. ‘Tonight was a perfect example. But it’s not just this match; over the past month, he’s been outstanding. He’s constantly on the move, looks robust, and is becoming the kind of center-forward that defenders fear.’

Gyokeres joined Arsenal last summer from Sporting CP in a high-profile transfer. His recent form has been pivotal for the North London side, especially in crucial European fixtures. Henry’s comments underscore the striker’s growing influence and his ability to respond to criticism with strong displays.

Following Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg, midfielder Declan Rice has received glowing praise from broadcaster Piers Morgan. The Gunners secured their spot in the final thanks to a solitary goal from Bukayo Saka, but it was Rice’s all-action display that caught the eye of the outspoken television personality.

In a post on social media platform X, Morgan described the England international as a ‘magnificent warrior’, lauding his relentless energy and quality on the pitch. ‘What a player. What a performance. I love @_DeclanRice so much. Just a magnificent warrior,’ Morgan wrote, reflecting the sentiment of many Arsenal fans who watched Rice dominate the midfield battle against Diego Simeone’s stubborn side.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reserved special praise for striker Viktor Gyokeres, who led the line with authority. Speaking in his post-match interview, Arteta highlighted the Swedish forward’s immense contribution to the team’s success. ‘He was immense,’ Arteta stated. ‘What he’s giving the team is just incredible.’

The victory marks a significant milestone for Arsenal as they book their place in the Champions League final, and the performances of Rice and Gyokeres will be crucial if they are to lift the trophy.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has voiced his disapproval of Arsenal’s exuberant celebrations following their Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid. The Gunners secured a 2-1 aggregate win, advancing to the final with a goal from Bukayo Saka just before halftime in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

The first leg had ended in a 1-1 draw in Spain, setting the stage for a tense return match. After the final whistle, Arsenal players and staff celebrated passionately in front of their home fans for an extended period, a display that drew criticism from some quarters.

Rooney, who won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, commented on the celebrations during a broadcast on Prime Video. “They haven’t won it yet,” he said. “I think the celebrations are a bit too much. Celebrate when you win… but no, they have earned it.”

The Arsenal squad’s emotional reaction was seen by some as premature, especially with the final still to come. Despite his criticism, Rooney acknowledged that the team had merited their place in the final.

Following Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal, manager Diego Simeone highlighted the performances of two key players. The loss at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of a Bukayo Saka strike, saw Los Colchoneros eliminated from the competition with a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.

In his post-match remarks, Simeone lauded captain Koke for delivering a masterful display, calling it a textbook example of intelligent football for someone of his experience. The Argentine tactician expressed deep appreciation for the veteran midfielder’s contribution on the night.

Turning his attention to Antoine Griezmann, who is set to depart for Orlando City at the season’s end, Simeone appealed to the Atletico faithful to give the forward the recognition he deserves. He emphasized that Griezmann has earned the supporters’ admiration through his recent performances for the team.

“I hope our fans give Antoine Griezmann the boost he has earned in these last few matches,” Simeone stated. “Koke was incredible, a masterclass in how to play football at his age. I am grateful to the team.”

Lazio’s Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has emerged as a hot commodity in the transfer market, with three Premier League clubs showing keen interest, as reported by Sky Sports. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Serie A side from Hatayspor in 2024 and has since become a regular fixture in their lineup.

During the January transfer window, Lazio turned down offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international. Now, as the summer window approaches, the Roman club is preparing for renewed bids. According to Sky Sports, the Biancocelesti are bracing for intensified pursuit of Dele-Bashiru.

With two years remaining on his current contract with Lazio, the player’s future remains uncertain. The interest from Premier League clubs underscores his impressive performances this season, making him a sought-after asset. It remains to be seen which club will secure his signature in the coming months.

Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has declared that this season belongs to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. The former England captain shared his thoughts on Amazon Prime following the Gunners’ narrow victory over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final showdown.

Mikel Arteta’s squad advanced to the final after a tense match at the Emirates Stadium, where a first-half goal from Bukayo Saka proved decisive. The tie was finely poised after a 1-1 draw in Madrid last week, but Arsenal found the breakthrough just before the interval.

Rooney, who previously played a Champions League semi-final at the Emirates, was particularly struck by the electric atmosphere generated by the home supporters. He noted that the energy from the crowd was far superior to what he experienced during his own playing days at the venue. “I’ve played a Champions League semi-final here before, and the atmosphere that evening was nowhere near what it was like today. This is Arsenal’s year,” he remarked.