PSG Advances to Champions League Final After Triumph Over Arsenal
Paris Saint-Germain skillfully navigated an early onslaught from Arsenal, eventually securing a 2-1 win, 3-1 on aggregate, to advance to Wednesday’s Champions League final. Five years after their defeat to Bayern Munich in the final, PSG has evolved into a well-oiled machine under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique. They will face off against Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich, following the Serie A squad’s nail-biting 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the other semifinal.
Despite Arsenal’s strong start, PSG held firm with Gianluigi Donnarumma making impressive saves. Fabián Ruiz then delivered a crucial goal with a powerful strike, and Achraf Hakimi sealed the win in the second half.
Even after missing a penalty in the second half, PSG kept their composure, and their victory seemed inevitable. Bukayo Saka managed to score for Arsenal 14 minutes from time, but it was too little, too late.
Desperate to get back into the game, Arsenal saw Saka waste a prime opportunity by sending the ball over the crossbar, leading to their failure to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.
Luis Enrique chose to leave Ousmane Dembélé on the bench, as he had returned to training just days after a muscle injury from the first leg. Arsenal, meanwhile, positioned Mikel Merino as a false nine.
Arsenal came out strong with Declan Rice missing narrowly with a header within the first three minutes, and Donnarumma was called into action to stop Gabriel Martinelli’s shot and then made a spectacular save against Martin Ødegaard’s half-volley.
PSG, although deprived of possession for large spells, was threatening on counterattacks. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s shot hit the post, while promising youngster Désiré Doué squandered a key chance, shooting tamely at David Raya.
PSG scored against the flow of the game in the 27th minute. A misjudged defensive header by Thomas Partey inadvertently set up Ruiz, who deftly controlled the ball before lashing it past Raya, sending the home fans into ecstasy with his first Champions League goal in 46 appearances.
“We’re in the final, we’re in the final,” chanted PSG’s supporters in the Boulogne Kop as their team exuded confidence.
Donnarumma again showcased his skills in the 64th minute, making a fingertip save against Saka’s attempt. PSG had another chance to seal the deal when Myles Lewis-Skelly handled Hakimi’s attempt, but Vitinha’s weak penalty was easily caught by Raya.
Nonetheless, Hakimi then fired a decisive shot past the Arsenal goalkeeper in the 72nd minute after a clever exchange with substitute Dembélé, effectively sealing the result.
Saka managed to cut the deficit four minutes later with a goal from a tight angle following a deflected cross by Jakub Kiwior. However, his stunning miss shortly afterward confirmed that it was PSG’s night to shine.