Saka and Rice the difference as Arsenal beat Atlético to reach Champions League final | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka’s left foot settled a 1-0 win over Atlético Madrid, sending Arsenal into their first Champions League final since 2006. The Gunners remain unbeaten in this season’s competition.

L'Équipe notes Saka and Declan Rice as the decisive figures, each rated 7, with Leandro Trossard also given 7 for tireless work and involvement in the winner.

Saka began quietly, miskicking at the far post on 17 minutes and sparking a Gabriel effort wide on 19, before striking on the stroke of half-time. Short of rhythm, he was replaced by Martin Ödegaard on 59.

Rice repeatedly surged through midfield, winning a corner on 24 minutes and later releasing Trossard on 54. He completed 95% of his passes and provided the usual leadership.

Antoine Griezmann created the first danger for Marcos Llorente on 30 minutes, then drew David Raya’s first save on 56 and might have had a penalty in the same minute. Giuliano Simeone wasted a glaring opening on 51 before being replaced by Alexander Sorloth on 57, when Ademola Lookman also made way for Johnny Cardoso. Griezmann was withdrawn for Alex Baena on 66.

Eberechi Eze struggled to influence play and went off for Noni Madueke on 59, while teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly was replaced by Martin Zubimendi on 74. Marc Pubill endured a torrid night, repeatedly exposed by Trossard and outmuscled by Viktor Gyökeres after the hour.

Source: L'Équipe