Bukayo Saka gives Arsenal 1-0 lead at halftime in Champions League semifinal vs. Atletico



By Canadian Press on May 5, 2026.

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Fulham in London, England, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

LONDON (AP) — Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a 1-0 lead just before halftime in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Saka was on hand to tap in a rebound in the 45th minute to send the hosts into the break with the advantage after Leandro Trossard’s shot was saved by Jan Oblak. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.

Arsenal had enjoyed about two thirds of the possession until then without managing to test Oblak in a cagey and physical encounter.

Arsenal wanted a penalty when Antoine Griezmann bundled Trossard over in the area in the 35th, but referee Daniel Siebert waved play on.

The winner will take on either defending champion Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich. PSG won the first leg of their semifinal 5-4, and the second leg is in Munich on Wednesday.

Arsenal is hoping to reach the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years, with Atletico looking to end a 10-year wait. Both teams are looking for a first European Cup title.

Atletico has reached the final twice under Simeone, in 2014 and 2016, losing both times to crosstown rival Real Madrid.

Arsenal lost its only final — in 2006 to Barcelona.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Mattias Karen, The Associated Press

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