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FC·May 5, 2026 06:47 PM ET

Arteta: Arsenal back in Champions League final after 20 years

Gunners reach Europe's biggest stage again.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated May 51 min read
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What happened: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrated his side's return to the Champions League final, calling it an incredible effort from his players. It is only the second Champions League final in the club's history, with the previous appearance coming 20 years ago. Arteta credited the squad's commitment, saying they "put everything" into the run.

Why it matters: For Arsenal, ending a two-decade wait to return to Europe's showpiece match validates Arteta's rebuild and cements the club among the continent's elite again. Arsenal have reached the final unbeaten, with nine clean sheets in 14 games, underlining the defensive identity Arteta has built. A European trophy would be a defining moment for the project and for a generation of players led by Bukayo Saka.

What to watch: Attention now turns to the final in Budapest, where Arsenal will look to lift their first Champions League trophy. Lineup news, opponent confirmation, and pre-final preparations will dominate coverage in the coming days.

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