PSG vs Arsenal Report

Scorers: Ruiz 27’, Hakimi 72’; Saka 76’

Paris Saint-Germain reached their second UEFA Champions League final in five years with a composed 2-1 second-leg victory over Arsenal at the Parc des Princes, sealing a 3-1 aggregate triumph. Despite an early flurry from the visitors, goals from Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi proved decisive, as the Ligue 1 champions stayed on course for their maiden European crown.

First Half – Ruthless Response to Early Pressure

Arsenal, aiming to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit, came out flying in the French capital. Declan Rice nodded wide early on, before Gianluigi Donnarumma made two stunning saves in quick succession to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard, keeping PSG’s lead intact.

That bright start from the Gunners was soon dampened by a PSG counterpunch. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia went close when his curling effort smacked the post, and shortly after, Fabián Ruiz put the hosts ahead on the night. The midfielder latched onto Thomas Partey’s weak clearance from a Vitinha set-piece and volleyed in a brilliant left-footed strike for his first-ever UCL goal. Bradley Barcola nearly added a second before the interval, but David Raya was equal to his point-blank effort.

Second Half – Missed Chances and Cruel Fine Margins

Arsenal continued to fight, with Bukayo Saka forcing yet another world-class save from Donnarumma to keep the tie out of reach. The match looked to have tilted completely in PSG’s favour when referee Felix Zwayer awarded a penalty for handball against Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, Raya guessed correctly to deny Vitinha from 12 yards and give Arsenal a lifeline.

That reprieve didn’t last long. A lapse in concentration from Partey allowed Hakimi to pounce and rifle home PSG’s second of the night, seemingly ending any hopes of an Arsenal comeback.

But the visitors weren’t done. Leandro Trossard showed great strength to beat Marquinhos and cut the ball back for Saka to tap in from close range.

Arsenal now needed just one more to force extra time, but heartbreak followed as Saka missed a golden chance moments later, steering wide from Riccardo Calafiori’s inviting low cross.

Conclusion – Another Exit for Arsenal, Final Beckons for PSG

Luis Enrique’s side managed the closing stages expertly, seeing out the game to book their place in the final in composed fashion. It marks PSG’s second-ever UEFA Champions League final appearance, joining Stade de Reims and Marseille as the only French clubs to reach multiple finals.

For Arsenal, it’s a familiar story of near-misses in Europe. Having lost the first leg at home, this was the sixth time they’ve been eliminated from a European knockout tie after doing so. With the Gunners also out of the domestic cup competitions, their wait for major silverware now stretches into a fifth season under Mikel Arteta.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Paris vs Arsenal | UEFA Champions League 2024/25