PSG sealed their place in the UEFA Champions League final after a commanding 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the second leg of the semi-finals at Parc des Princes. With goals from Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, PSG triumphed 3-1 on aggregate. Despite a late goal from Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s efforts fell short, unable to recover from their first-leg loss at the Emirates.
This victory marks a significant achievement for PSG, making them only the third French club—after Reims and Marseille—to reach multiple Champions League finals. PSG now set their sights on Inter Milan, who will face them on the grand stage in Munich on May 31.
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Arsenal Start Bright but Falter
Determined to recover from their 2-1 deficit in the first leg, Arsenal began with aggression and intent. Declan Rice, in a more advanced midfield role alongside Thomas Partey, threatened early. In the 3rd minute, he rose above the PSG defense to meet Jurriën Timber’s cross, but his header narrowly missed the target.
The Gunners maintained pressure, forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into early action. The Italian goalkeeper reacted sharply, first denying Gabriel Martinelli’s shot from a long throw and then smothering Martin Ødegaard’s low drive.
Donnarumma Stands Tall for PSG
Donnarumma proved invaluable once again. Having delivered a solid performance in the first leg, he maintained his composure throughout. Arsenal’s best efforts were no match for his quick reflexes and commanding presence. As Declan Rice later commented, “Donnarumma’s been unbelievable.” His saves kept Arsenal from gaining any early momentum.
Ruiz’s Brilliant Strike Breaks the Deadlock
Despite missing Ousmane Dembélé due to injury, Paris continued to pose an attacking threat. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia almost gave the home side the lead in the 17th minute, cutting inside from the left and curling a shot that struck the right post. But it was Fabián Ruiz who opened the scoring in the 27th minute.
After Partey’s header from Vitinha’s free-kick fell to Ruiz, the Spanish midfielder controlled the ball with finesse. His deft chest touch allowed him to escape Martinelli’s pressure, and with a quick left-footed strike, he found the corner of the net. The shot took a slight deflection off William Saliba, but it was a perfect moment for Ruiz to score his first-ever Champions League goal in his 46th appearance.
Arsenal Struggles in the Second Half
Arsenal’s intensity from the first half faded as the game wore on. Nevertheless, they came close to equalizing in the 64th minute when Bukayo Saka cut in from the right and sent a curling shot toward the far top corner. However, Donnarumma stretched to his full reach and denied Saka’s effort.
Their hopes briefly lifted when Myles Lewis-Skelly committed a handball inside the box, giving Paris a penalty opportunity. But David Raya dived to his left and brilliantly saved Vitinha’s attempt, offering Arsenal a glimmer of hope.
Arsenal have never recovered from a first-leg home defeat in a two-legged UEFA competition tie, now having failed in six attempts. At 18 years and 223 days old, Myles Lewis-Skelly became the second youngest English player to reach 10 Champions League appearances, behind only Jude Bellingham (17 years, 289 days).
Hakimi’s Perfect Finish Doubles Paris’s Advantage
Paris seized control moments after the penalty miss. Achraf Hakimi, who had been a constant outlet on the right flank, picked up the ball in Arsenal’s half. He made no mistake, curling a stunning shot into the far corner in the 72nd minute. This goal further stretched the aggregate lead to three goals and left Arsenal with little chance of recovery. Hakimi became the third Moroccan player to score in a Champions League semi-final, joining Medhi Benatia and Hakim Ziyech.
Saka Provides a Glimmer of Hope
Arsenal weren’t ready to give up. Four minutes later, Leandro Trossard’s low cross found Saka, who made no mistake in finishing. The English winger’s strike breathed life into the visitors’ comeback hopes. It was Saka’s tenth Champions League goal in just 18 appearances—a remarkable feat. Only Harry Kane reached that milestone faster among English players.
However, Arsenal’s hopes quickly dwindled when Riccardo Calafiori’s cross presented another golden opportunity to Saka in the 79th minute. Unfortunately, Saka couldn’t find the finish to bring Arsenal within one, and their chances faded with it.
Paris’s Defiant Defense Clinches Victory
Despite not dominating the match as they had in earlier rounds, Paris stood firm when it mattered most. They absorbed Arsenal’s pressure, defended resolutely, and seized key moments to strike.
As Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, acknowledged, “Seeing my team perform like this against one of the best sides in Europe fills me with so much pride… Sometimes you have to applaud the opposition.”
Paris Set Their Sights on the Final
This victory marks Paris’s 19th successful progression after winning the first leg away in a UEFA tie, a testament to their ability to thrive under pressure. PSG’s win sends them to their second-ever Champions League final, with their last appearance coming in 2019/20 when they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
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FAQs
Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi scored for PSG, leading them to a 2-1 victory over Arsenal.
Donnarumma made key saves, including stopping shots from Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard, helping PSG secure the win.
PSG won 3-1 on aggregate after their 2-1 victory in the second leg at Parc des Princes.
Bukayo Saka scored for Arsenal, but his goal was not enough to mount a comeback as PSG won the tie.
PSG will face Inter Milan in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final on May 31 at the Munich Football Arena.
