A Return to the Champions League Final for PSG
Paris Saint-Germain are through to the UEFA Champions League final for only the second time in their history after a 2–1 win over Arsenal on the night, sealing a 3–1 aggregate victory at the Parc des Princes. PSG last made the final during the COVID-19 season in 2020, falling 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
Arsenal’s Early Pressure Comes Up Short
Arsenal came into the second leg needing to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg in London, but despite a spirited and brave performance, they fell short on a dramatic night in Paris. The Gunners were denied repeatedly by an outstanding display from Gianluigi Donnarumma, who produced yet another world-class performance in goal to frustrate Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Italian keeper, who was man of the match at the Emirates, continued where he left off. He denied Gabriel Martinelli early on with a sharp save before producing a stunning stop to keep out Martin Ødegaard’s powerful long-range strike. Arsenal’s attacking pressure early in the game unsettled PSG, but their inability to take chances would prove costly.
Ruiz Makes the Breakthrough for PSG
Just before the half-hour mark, PSG made Arsenal pay. Fabián Ruiz picked up a loose clearance from Thomas Partey and fired home a deflected strike from outside the box to give the hosts the lead on the night and a two-goal cushion in the tie.
Missed Penalty and Hakimi’s Killer Blow
The second half saw more drama, including a missed penalty from Vitinha, whose tame effort was saved by David Rayaafter Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for handball. But the turning point came in the 72nd minute, when Partey was dispossessed and Achraf Hakimi punished the error with a composed finish to make it 2–0.
Saka’s Response Not Enough
Bukayo Saka pulled one back four minutes later with a neat angled finish, and while Arsenal pushed for an equaliser on the night, the tie had already slipped out of their reach. Saka had another golden opportunity late on but fired over the open goal, summing up a night of missed chances for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s European Exit, Ascendancy of PSG
The result ends Arsenal’s impressive European run and extends their trophy drought to five years. Arteta’s side will now turn their focus back to the Premier League, where securing a top-five finish is crucial to returning to Europe’s top competition next season.
For PSG, the result marks a significant step in their evolution under Luis Enrique. Having moved on from the era of Neymar, Messi and Mbappé, this rebuilt PSG side have now eliminated Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal to reach the final. With a youthful and dynamic core that includes Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola, they will now face Inter Milan in the final in Munich.
Donnarumma Stands Tall
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s name rang around the Parc des Princes at full-time, and rightly so. The 25-year-old has been key to PSG’s progress, delivering on the big nights when it mattered most. If this is to be PSG’s year, it will be because of players like him stepping up when the pressure is highest.
A Shot at Redemption
PSG will now have a shot at redemption in Munich, four years after losing their only previous final to Bayern Munich. With belief, momentum, and a sense of unity, they might just be ready to lift the one trophy that has always eluded them.
Read more UEFA Champions League coverage at Sports Talk United.
