Paris Saint-Germain reach UEFA Champions League final after overcoming Arsenal
Paris Saint-Germain are back in the Champions League final, earning a second shot at European glory after a composed 2-1 win over Arsenal in the semi-final second leg at Parc des Princes.
It’s another milestone for the Qatari-backed project, as PSG now prepare to face Inter Milan in the final on May 31 in Munich. For manager Luis Enrique, this is a return to the pinnacle of European football — and this time, his side looked mature, balanced and ruthless when it mattered most.
Despite a promising start from Arsenal, who pushed forward aggressively in the opening 15 minutes, the visitors failed to make their momentum count. A powerful drive from Martin Ødegaard forced a brilliant save from Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 8th minute — but that was as close as the Gunners came to turning the tie.
PSG responded with swift counter-attacks and struck the post via Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on 17 minutes. Just ten minutes later, they opened the scoring through Fabián Ruiz, who rifled home after a set-piece situation saw Declan Rice commit a foul and fail to clear his lines. The goal took the aggregate score to 2-0 in favour of PSG and left Mikel Arteta's side chasing shadows.
Arsenal's attacking edge dulled in the second half, with Saka forcing another fine save from Donnarumma before Vitinha missed a golden chance to seal the tie — squandering a VAR-awarded penalty with a tame effort easily saved by David Raya.
Eventually, it was Achraf Hakimi who made the difference, firing low and hard into the corner on 72 minutes to extinguish any remaining hope for the Premier League side. Though Saka pulled one back minutes later and nearly added another, PSG stood firm.
Final score: PSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1). The French champions march into the final, where they will face Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31. Two giants. One trophy. All roads now lead to Bavaria.
2024-25 UEFA Champions League
PSG - Arsenal 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Fabian Ruiz, 27 (1:0); Hakimi, 72 (2:0); Saka B., 76 (2:1)
PSG: Donnarumma G.; Marquinhos; Mendes N. (Ramos G., 88); Hakimi; Vitinha F.; Kvaratskhelia; Neves J. P.; Pacho; Fabian Ruiz; Doue D. (Lucas Hernandez, 74); Barcola B. (Dembele O., 70)
Bench: Safonov M.; Tenas; Beraldo L.; Zaire-Emery; Mayulu; Tape; Lee Kang-in; Mbaye
Yellow Cards: Mendes N. 18; Kvaratskhelia 86
Arsenal: Raya; Kiwior; Saliba; Timber J. (White B., 83); Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori, 68); Merino; Partey T.; Rice; Saka B.; Odegaard; Martinelli (Trossard, 69)
Bench: Neto; Setford; Tierney; Jorginho; Zinchenko; Sterling; Nwaneri; Butler-Oyedeji
Yellow Cards: Rice 26; Lewis-Skelly 56; Calafiori 86; Saka B. 86
