Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final after defeating Arsenal 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate at the Parc des Princes on May 7. In a match filled with intensity, flair, and drama, the Parisians proved too strong for Mikel Arteta’s young Arsenal side, who exit the competition with pride but plenty of what-ifs.
First Half: PSG Take Control
PSG entered the second leg with a 1-0 lead from the first encounter in London, thanks to a composed performance that saw them dominate possession and create better chances. Arsenal, needing a strong start in Paris, initially showed promise with energetic pressing and tidy build-up play. However, it was the home side that struck first.
In the 27th minute, Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring with a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the box, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with no chance. The goal put PSG 2-0 ahead on aggregate and firmly in control of the tie.
Arsenal continued to push forward in response, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard leading the charge, but PSG’s defensive line, marshaled by Marquinhos and Danilo Pereira, held firm through the first half.
Second Half: PSG Seal It, Arsenal Respond Too Late
The Gunners started the second half with renewed purpose. Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard came close to leveling the tie on the night, but PSG remained composed and clinical when it mattered most.
In the 72nd minute, right-back Achraf Hakimi made it 2-0 on the night (3-0 on aggregate) with a well-timed run and cool finish after a smart one-two with Kylian Mbappé. The Moroccan’s goal sparked wild celebrations among the PSG faithful, who could sense a long-awaited return to the Champions League final.
To their credit, Arsenal refused to go quietly. Just four minutes later, Bukayo Saka gave the visitors hope by converting a smartly worked move into the bottom corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The English winger had a golden opportunity moments later to draw Arsenal level on the night, but his effort flew narrowly wide of the far post.
Emotional End for Arsenal
Despite a spirited finish from the Gunners, PSG saw out the match with professionalism and composure. Mikel Arteta’s young side, many of whom were playing in their first Champions League semi-final, left the pitch visibly emotional.
“They were in tears,” Arteta admitted post-match. “I couldn’t be prouder of them. We came a long way in this competition, and this experience will be invaluable for our future.”
PSG’s Redemption Arc Continues
The victory sends PSG into the Champions League final for the second time in five years, a milestone that reflects the club’s relentless pursuit of European glory. With stars like Mbappé, Hakimi, and Donnarumma leading the charge, the Parisians will now prepare to face Inter Milan in the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31, 2025.
For manager Luis Enrique, the triumph is a vindication of his tactical philosophy and squad management. After years of near-misses, PSG fans now dare to dream of lifting Europe’s most coveted trophy for the first time.
Match Summary
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Final Score (Second Leg): PSG 2–1 Arsenal
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Aggregate Score: PSG 3–1 Arsenal
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Goalscorers:
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PSG: Fabián Ruiz (27’), Achraf Hakimi (72’)
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Arsenal: Bukayo Saka (76’)
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What’s Next?
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PSG will face Inter Milan in the Champions League Final on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
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Arsenal now shift their focus back to the Premier League, where they remain in a tight race for the title.