Red smoke and deafening noise: How Emirates' best ever atmosphere launched Arsenal to Champions League final
By James Benge
Published on May 6, 2026.
The Emirates Stadium in London hosted the first Champions League final to be held in 20 years, with a crowd of over 100,000 supporters supporting Arsenal. The atmosphere was so high that it inspired Arsenal to deliver a victory in the final 20 years. The Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal moved from their previous home to the modern bowl after the last Champions League Final, was a standout performance as a matchday revenue boost for the club. The club's decision to add 20,000 seats to the stadium was seen as a crucial investment in the future of football by Chelsea's new owner, Roman Abramovich, who initially thought it would be the future. The crowd was so large that it made it difficult for the team to find a pub that was both open and not overflowing. Arsenal's victory over Atletico Madrid in the match was a "special" moment, with supporters expressing their appreciation for the unique welcome from the start of the game.
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