Madrid Clubs Dominate Finals

Spanish football clubs Real and Atletico, both from Madrid, dominate the final games of UEFA Champions League and Europa League after gaining points from the second leg of their respective games at home.

On Thursday, Atletico Madrid hosted the return match of Europa League semis in Madrid and ended the hopes for Arsene Wenger’s team. Diego Costa killed Wenger’s last hope of a glorious Arsenal farewell as his goal sent Atletico Madrid through to the Europa League final, Reuters reported.

Wenger’s 250th European fixture with Arsenal, also his last, was decided by a typically ruthless finish from Costa, who delivered the sort of barnstorming display defenders must have nightmares about.

Arsenal players piled forward late in search of an equalizer but in truth, their night ended without them really creating a clear-cut chance.

When the final whistle was blown, Wenger marched straight down the tunnel as around him, Atletico’s celebrations began as it enjoyed a 2-1 aggregate win over Arsenal.

The other Madrid-based football club, galactic Real Madrid also finished with a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich to clinch to a 4-3 victory at Santiago Bernabeu on May 3.

Bayern just needed one goal to score and seal its progression to the Kiev final. The German champion did their best, but keeper Navas was in inspired form pulling off saves to deny Tolisso, Hummels and Muller.

In the end, Bayern pulled everything forward, yet the Los Blancos backline did not yield and held out to secure the aggregate victory. A third consecutive final awaits Real and on this form, it looks certain to claim a third straight European crown.

 Opponents

Marseille booked a Europa League final meeting with Atletico Madrid after Portuguese defender Rolando struck in extra time to grab a 3-2 aggregate victory over a spirited Salzburg on Thursday.

Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 26th following a 7-6 aggregate victory over Roma on Wednesday.

Roma hosted Liverpool in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal. In what was another goal-fest between the two clubs, Liverpool outlasted the host to advance to the final with a 7-6 aggregate success, despite losing the second leg 4-2 in the Italian capital. Edin Dzeko and a late brace from Radja Nainggolan helped Roma earn the match victory at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, first-half goals from Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum proved pivotal in securing the English club’s ticket for Kyiv, Ukraine.