Arsenal Pursues First Champions League Title After Two Decades of Change

Arsenal is set to compete for their first Champions League title on Saturday, marking a significant moment after overcoming financial challenges and player transitions since 2006. The club reached the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 20 years following a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid and a 2-1 aggregate victory. Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semifinal to secure this historic progression.

The team had already secured a major milestone by winning the Premier League title after Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth, which left Arsenal with an unassailable four-point lead. This victory ended a 22-year wait for the league championship. During the season, Arsenal was described by the Premier League as being three matches away from winning the UEFA Champions League title for the first time in its history.

Manager Mikel Arteta stated that the squad had a fantastic chance to create new history and expressed certainty that they would achieve it. Captain Martin Odegaard emphasized the desire to make even more history, noting that the team is ready to do it. The final match against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30 represented the culmination of these efforts, though the dream of a first European crown was in the end ended in a shootout.

What is confirmed

Confirmed Arsenal won the Premier League title after Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth, which left Arsenal with an unassailable four-point lead.[1]
Confirmed Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the league championship.[1]
Confirmed Arsenal reached the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 20 years after a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid and a 2-1 aggregate victory.[4][5]
Confirmed Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semifinal.[4][5]
Confirmed Arsenal was set to face Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on May 30.[4][5]
Confirmed Arsenal had secured a five-point lead over Manchester City in the league during the season described by BBC.[3][6]
Confirmed Arsenal was described by the Premier League as being three matches away from winning the UEFA Champions League title for the first time in its history.[10]
Reported Arsenal was pursuing a Premier League and Champions League double during the season.[2][5]
Reported Mikel Arteta's squad had momentum from consecutive league victories and a Champions League semifinal win.[2]
Reported Arsenal was said to be on the verge of its first Premier League title in 22 years before the title was formally clinched.[6][7]
Reported Arsenal was described as the best team in the country after its title win.[8]

Timeline

2004-05-15 — Arsenal completed the Premier League season unbeaten, becoming the 'Invincibles' and winning the club’s third league title under Arsène Wenger.
2006-05-17 — Arsenal reached the UEFA Champions League final for the first time but lost 2-1 to Barcelona, their only previous appearance in the final.
2025-05-07 — Arsenal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie, leaving the return leg level on aggregate.
2026-05-05 — Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium to reach the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years, advancing 2-1 on aggregate.
2026-05-19 — Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, securing the club’s first league title in 22 years.
2026-05-24 — Arsenal completed their final Premier League match with a victory over Crystal Palace, officially celebrating the title triumph after the season ended.
2026-05-30 — Arsenal played Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, with media reports describing the match as the club’s chance to win its first European title.
2026-05-30 — Paris Saint-Germain retained the Champions League after Arsenal’s dream of a first European crown was ended in a shootout.

Direct quotes

"Bring it on"
— Declan Rice, 2026-04-28

"We want to make even more history... we're ready to do it"
— Martin Odegaard, 2026-04-28

Related people

FAQ

Did Arsenal win the Champions League title?

No, Arsenal did not win the Champions League title. Paris Saint-Germain retained the Champions League after Arsenal's dream of a first European crown was ended in a shootout on May 30. The team had reached the final for the first time in 20 years following a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid.

How did Arsenal secure the Premier League title?

Arsenal won the Premier League title after Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth, which left Arsenal with an unassailable four-point lead. This result ended a 22-year wait for the league championship. The club had previously secured a five-point lead over Manchester City in the league during the season.

What did the players and manager say about the final?

Mikel Arteta said, 'We have a fantastic chance to create new history for our football club, and we are certain that we will achieve it.' Martin Odegaard added, 'We want to make even more history... we're ready to do it.' Declan Rice simply stated, 'Bring it on' regarding the challenge ahead.