In a high-octane clash under the lights of Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain sent a thunderous message to Europe—PSG are back, and they mean business.
With a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, the Parisians booked their spot in the final, sealing a 3-1 aggregate triumph and marking a landmark return to Europe’s biggest stage—without their talisman Kylian Mbappé.
Electric Start, Ruthless Finish
PSG came out with intent and intensity. Just 11 minutes into the match, Fabián Ruiz stunned the Gunners with a wickedly deflected strike that left goalkeeper David Raya stranded. Arsenal, already trailing 1-0 from the first leg, were rattled—and things only got worse. Achraf Hakimi pounced on a defensive miscue, coolly slotting home to make it 2-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate.
Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a glimmer of hope in the 76th minute with a composed finish, but it was too little, too late. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the ever-reliable Italian wall, produced a string of stellar saves, including a crucial penalty stop that crushed any late Arsenal resurgence.
Arsenal Falter in Face of Pressure
Credit must go to Mikel Arteta’s men for not going down without a fight. Statistically dominant at times, the Gunners carved out numerous chances and racked up an expected goals tally hovering between 2.7 and 3.2—PSG’s most under-pressure showing this season. But finishing let them down. A glaring miss from Saka and a disjointed display from Thomas Partey in midfield underlined the fine margins that separate glory from heartbreak at this level.
First Leg Foundations
This tie was arguably decided in London. Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal at the Emirates in the first leg gave PSG a psychological edge that they never relinquished. Arsenal struggled to break through a disciplined Parisian backline, and the lack of an equaliser left them chasing shadows in the return fixture.
Next Stop: Wembley, Against Inter Milan
With the Champions League final looming, PSG are eyeing redemption. This is their second appearance in the final—this time under the guidance of Luis Enrique, who has turned the post-Mbappé narrative into one of unity, resilience, and flair. Awaiting them is Inter Milan, a side equally hungry for European glory.
For Arsenal, the journey ends with lessons learned and potential acknowledged. Arteta’s youthful squad has shown promise, but on nights like this, experience and execution make the difference. They’ll return stronger.
Meanwhile, in Paris, belief is surging again. The Parisians are one step from immortality.
