Arsenal are back into the final 20 years later - Rice calls for '200,000 fans' as history beckons

It shouldn't feel like this, but Arsenal have, somehow, reached a Champions League final almost under the radar.

So much of the spotlight has been fixed on their pursuit of a first Premier League title in over two decades that their European campaign - calm, controlled, and ultimately historic - has slipped slightly beneath the noise.

However, now it demands attention.

Arsenal one step from dream - Saka’s goal enough for Champions League final after two decades!

A narrow 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates, sealed by Bukayo Saka's first-half finish, sent Mikel Arteta's side through 2-1 on aggregate, and into just the second Champions League final in the club's history.

It was not their most dazzling performance, but it didn't need to be.

This is an Arsenal team that has learned how to win in Europe - efficient, composed, and, above all, relentless.

Still unbeaten in the competition, they have navigated past heavyweights such as Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Sporting CP with a quiet authority, although their knockout rivals were - one could say - slightly less challenging than the ones on the other side of the draw.

"I don't think you can underestimate what we've done," said Declan Rice. "This is the biggest competition in club football, and we have every right to enjoy it.

"When we went 1-0 up, I knew. I could feel something special.

"To be honest, I can't describe this. I think this is the best night at the Emirates I've been to, even better than the game against Real Madrid last year. When we were coming to the stadium, the bus stopped and I thought, 'what's going on?' Because, usually, we just walk in. And now we saw the torches, the fans cheering us on, and we all got goosebumps as we looked out the window. It was amazing."

Rice is most enthusiastic about the atmosphere for the rematch.

"I've never seen Emirates like this before, so a big thank you to the fans, because we needed it. You could feel the energy of everyone there. Even if you're tired, it gives you the energy to keep going, and I think the fans played a huge part in our victory."

The mere thought of the Champions League final excites him.

"It's crazy even to say it. I can't wait. I want to see every Arsenal fan in Budapest, let's get 200,000 of them! We're going to need all the support and energy. Let's make something really special."

His boss, Mikel Arteta, wasn't holding back either, after the Gunners delivered on the night Arteta had demanded.

"We made history together," said Arteta. "I've never felt the stadium like this. The energy, the connection… it was something unique.

"After 20 years, we are back."

Now, only one step remains.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - SEMI-FINALS

Return leg

Tuesday

Arsenal - Atl. Madrid 1-0 (1-0)

/Saka 45/

Arsenal win 2-1 on aggregate

Wednesday

22.00: (1.65) Bayern (5.50) PSG (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***