PSG reaches Champions League final after win against Arsenal

The Parc des Princes was the stage for high drama on Tuesday night as Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal faced off in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. With everything still to play for, the first 70 minutes were packed with chances, saves, and key moments that shaped the tie.

Quick start by Arsenal

Arsenal came out firing and nearly struck early. A cross from Timber found Declan Rice, who headed just wide a dream start narrowly missed. Moments later, Martinelli had a chance from a throw-in but was denied by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Captain Martin Ødegaard also unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but again Donnarumma made a crucial save. Arsenal were knocking on the door, but PSG held their ground.

Fabian Ruiz lights up Paris

PSG were not passive either. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rattled the post before Nuno Mendes picked up a yellow card in a heated challenge. Then came the breakthrough: Fabian Ruiz pounced on a loose ball after Arsenal lost possession and smashed it brilliantly into the top corner. PSG led 1-0, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Despite Arsenal’s attacking intent, they had to be wary of PSG’s counter-attacks. Désiré Doué fired straight at goalkeeper David Raya, and Bradley Barcola missed a big chance when he chose the near post instead of the far one. Arsenal were fortunate to stay just one goal down.

PSG in Control at half-time

As halftime approached, Lewis-Skelly took a painful knock but was able to continue. The whistle blew with PSG ahead 1-0 Arsenal now faced the daunting task of needing at least two second-half goals to force extra time.

Arsenal struggle to break through

After the break, Arsenal couldn’t impose themselves on the game. PSG comfortably survived the first 15 minutes of the second half, while Lewis-Skelly picked up a yellow card. Arsenal kept pushing, but Donnarumma stood tall once again, making a stunning save to tip Bukayo Saka’s curling shot out of the top corner.

On the counter, Achraf Hakimi tested Raya with a tame shot, but the real drama came soon after: PSG were awarded a penalty following a VAR check for handball by Lewis-Skelly. Vitinha stepped up for PSG, eyes set on doubling the lead and potentially sealing the tie. But David Raya made himself the hero, saving the penalty and keeping Arsenal’s hopes alive. In response, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made bold changes, bringing on Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard for Martinelli and Lewis-Skelly. With 20 minutes left on the clock, everything was still up in the air PSG stood firm, but Arsenal were far from finished.

Goals in quick succession

Minutes after the missed penalty, it was Achraf Hakimi who doubled PSG’s lead. The Moroccan right back scored from the edge of the box. This goal seemed to take the breath away from Arsenal’s comeback, but 4 minutes later Bukayo Saka brought hope back with the 2-1. The same Saka could’ve give us an extremely exciting 10 minutes, but in the 80th minute he failed to score for open goal. This miss was enough for PSG to keep their sharpness and play the game out till the end. With a 3-1 win on aggregate, Paris Saint-Germain will face Inter Milan in the final. Tickets for the 2025 Champions League final are now available!