In a dramatic conclusion to their UEFA Champions League campaign, Arsenal faced off against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025, ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of the semi-finals. This loss compounded their earlier 1-0 defeat in the first leg, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate score that saw PSG advance to the final to face Inter Milan.
The Gunners entered the match with hopes of overturning their first-leg deficit, and they started brightly, showing intent and aggression. Captain Martin Ødegaard had a promising chance to level the tie early on, but his shot from the edge of the box was expertly saved by PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite their strong start, Arsenal struggled to maintain their momentum as the match progressed.
PSG gradually took control of the game, with goals from Fabian Ruiz in the 27th minute and Achraf Hakimi in the 72nd minute putting the Parisians firmly in the driver’s seat. Arsenal managed to pull one back through Bukayo Saka in the 76th minute, but it was too little too late for Mikel Arteta’s side, who could not muster a comeback.
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf was particularly critical of Ødegaard’s performance, giving him a low rating of 4/10. He expressed disappointment over Ødegaard's lack of creativity and risk-taking in midfield. “It’s crazy because you don’t want to criticise him,” Leboeuf told ESPN. “We have the tendency to forgive everything that he does because he’s clean; he’s a proper clean player with a nice haircut, with a moustache and an elegant style. He’s a good guy and you want to be with him, but if you have to analyse everything he does – it’s too obvious, it’s too simple.”
Leboeuf further elaborated on Ødegaard's shortcomings, stating, “There’s no risk, he doesn’t think ‘I’m going to try that pass, and it might not be successful but I’m going to try because if it does work it’s going to create something different’. He’s too clean, far too clean. In modern football, it’s okay, but it’s not enough, it’s really not enough.” He contrasted Ødegaard’s style to that of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, who was renowned for his ability to take risks and create magic on the pitch.
Despite the criticism, Ødegaard acknowledged the team’s struggles in front of goal, admitting, “It’s very painful to be honest. I think we started the game really well, on the front foot, took control of the game and created some big moments. But again, in the boxes, that’s where the games are decided and we weren’t good enough. Also a lot of credit to their goalkeeper who made some unbelievable saves.”
Manager Mikel Arteta also expressed frustration with the missed opportunities, stating, “After 20 minutes it should have been 3-0. There is something extra you need to go your way in the competition and it didn’t. We were very close and for long periods of both games we were much better than them but we are not there and that has to hurt.”
The defeat marks another disappointing chapter in Arsenal's quest for silverware, extending their trophy drought to five seasons. With significant investments made into the squad, the pressure is mounting for Arteta to deliver results and restore the club's former glory.
As Arsenal shifts its focus back to domestic competitions, they will be looking to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League. The Gunners' next challenge will be to regroup and channel their energy into the remainder of the season, aiming for a strong finish and perhaps a chance at FA Cup glory.
Meanwhile, PSG will prepare for their final against Inter Milan on May 31, 2025, after a thrilling semi-final campaign that showcased their strength and resilience. The match is set to be an exciting clash, with both teams eager to secure the coveted Champions League trophy.
As the dust settles on this semi-final showdown, Arsenal fans will be left to ponder what could have been, while PSG revels in their success, looking ahead to the final with anticipation and confidence.
