Arsenal have reached the Champions League final, defeating Atletico Madrid to secure their place in the showpiece event. The final will be held in Budapest on 30 May, where they will face either Bayern Munich or Paris St-Germain. However, details of which channel will broadcast the game are currently unconfirmed.
Arsenal’s Celebrations Spark Debate
Following their victory over Atletico Madrid, Arsenal’s celebrations at Emirates Stadium were met with differing opinions. Some felt the Gunners over-celebrated their semi-final win. Wayne Rooney suggested the celebrations were premature, saying, “They deserve to be in this position but they haven’t won it yet. I think the celebrations are a little bit too much. Celebrate when you win.”
Ian Wright responded, encouraging Arsenal fans to enjoy the moment. “Arsenal fans, let me tell you something: enjoy this,” he stated. “The celebration police will be out in force. Do not get nicked!”
Arsene Wenger acknowledged the celebrations were normal but urged the team to focus on the final. “They celebrated well tonight, which is normal,” Wenger said. “But you want more to focus already on the final and the next game.”
Echoes of Manchester City’s Celebrations
Rooney also drew comparisons to Manchester City’s celebrations after their win against Arsenal last month. He felt City’s celebrations were “a little bit over the top” and “a little bit premature”. Danny Murphy agreed that City’s celebrations “looked a bit excessive”.
Arsenal Aim for European Glory
Arsenal will aim to become the seventh English club to win the European Cup/Champions League. They could also be the fourth to become national and European champions in the same season. Previously, Liverpool (twice), Manchester United (twice) and Manchester City (once) have achieved this feat.
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2023-24 and the semi-finals in 2024-25.
Ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger led the Gunners to their previous Champions League final in 2006, when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.
Arsenal have a chance to become European champions for the first time and could even do the continental double as they are also top of the Premier League.