National team icons Henrik Larsson and Fredrik Ljungberg, in the final between Barcelona and Arsenal in 2006. It was the last time a Swedish player reached the men's final of the Champions League.
Until now.
Arsenal and Viktor Gyökeres can book tickets for the final in Budapest on May 30.
Goalscorer in the first meeting
Last week's semi-final first leg in Madrid ended 1-1 in an even affair, with the goals scored via two penalties. Viktor Gyökeres converted Arsenal's penalty in that match.
On Tuesday evening, the doubleheader in London was decided when the second leg of the Champions League semi-final was played. And the second leg was also going to be a tight affair.
The match barely had time to settle down before Arsenal were put under pressure. Atlético created chaos early in the home team's penalty area after a dangerous challenge by Antoine Griezmann, but the situation ran out of steam without any result.
The breakthrough
Then Arsenal started their methodical build-up game.
In the 34th minute, a penalty appeal followed after Leandro Trossard went down in a duel with Griezmann inside the penalty area. However, the referee chose not to give the penalty – and no signal for a penalty kick was given.
Just before half-time, the home team got the reward they were looking for. Bukayo Saka held on to a rebound in the box and was able to push Arsenal into a 1–0 lead after Gyökeres had played the ball into the penalty area.
Strong position
The second half was marked by a battle and a great chance for Viktor Gyökeres with his right foot. However, the shot just missed and no more goals were recorded.
When the referee's whistle sounded after 90 minutes of football, it was clear that Sweden had a male player in the Champions League final again - after 20 years. Arsenal have had to wait just as long to get their chance in a CL final again.
Viktor Gyökeres has been a major contributor to Arsenal's journey to the final. In the group stage of the tournament, the Swedish striker was responsible for four goals.
Arsenal will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final. The return leg of the tie will be played tomorrow. PSG lead 5-4 from the first leg in Paris.
