Bukayo Saka admitted he knows 'deep down' which team Arsenal would prefer to face in the Champions League final after his goal propelled the Gunners past Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old winger scored the decisive strike in a tense 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, securing Arsenal's place in the Budapest showpiece on May 31.
Saka's Decisive Goal
The match was decided just before half-time when Saka reacted quickest to a loose ball after Jan Oblak saved a shot from Leandro Trossard. The England international slotted home from close range, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Arsenal then defended resolutely in the second half to preserve their clean sheet and book their ticket to the final.
Preferred Opponent?
Arsenal will face either Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions who knocked them out at the same stage last year, or Bayern Munich, led by Harry Kane. When pressed by CBS pundit Micah Richards on his preference, Saka was coy. 'You can't ask me that!' he laughed. 'You know I'll have to give a media-trained answer! You know deep down who we want to face, that's all I'll say.'
Emotional Reflection
After the final whistle, Saka reflected on his personal journey, referencing the pain of missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final for England. 'That moment after the game, only myself and a few other people close to me will understand what I've been through,' he said. 'I just wanted to say thank you to God because he is what gets me through all these things. Some players would not recover from certain situations I've endured, but he's been my strength.'
Fan Support
Saka also praised the Arsenal supporters, who have faced criticism for creating a tense atmosphere in recent weeks. 'We felt it since we were on the coach,' he said. 'I've never seen the Emirates like this in my whole career. It was so special. They pushed us from start to end. This is probably the biggest game the Emirates has ever hosted, and it was a successful one. All the fans here will go home and remember this night forever.'
Arsenal now await the outcome of the second semi-final between PSG and Bayern Munich to learn their opponent for the final in Budapest.
