Arsenal reach Champions League final!

Gunners see off Villarreal to set up showdown with Manchester United in Gdansk

Mikel Arteta's side reach first European final in 24 years

Arsenal have reached the Champions League final for the first time in 24 years after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.

The Gunners took the lead through Bukayo Saka in the first half after a flowing move involving Emile Smith Rowe and Kieran Tierney.

Villarreal equalised in the second half through Samuel Chukwueze, but Arsenal responded immediately with Nicolas Pepe scoring the winner with a stunning strike.

The victory was Arsenal's first in a semi-final of a major European competition since 2006, and it sets up a mouthwatering clash with Manchester United in the final in Gdansk on 26 May.

It is a remarkable achievement for Arteta, who has transformed Arsenal's fortunes since taking over as manager in December 2019.

The Spaniard has overseen a major rebuild of the squad, and he has now guided the Gunners to their first major final since the 2017 FA Cup.

Arsenal will be hoping to win their first Champions League title since 2006 when they face United in the final.

The Gunners have been in impressive form in Europe this season, and they will be confident of beating United, who they have already beaten twice in the Premier League this season.

It promises to be a fascinating final, and Arsenal will be hoping to make history by winning their first Champions League title in 15 years.