Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their place in the Champions League final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This win sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph, paving the way for PSG to face Inter Milan in the final set for May 31 in Munich.
In a match filled with tension and drama, Arsenal came out strong, hoping to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. The Gunners pushed hard in the opening minutes, testing PSG's defense and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was in stellar form. He made crucial saves, denying both Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard with point-blank reactions that kept Arsenal at bay.
However, PSG struck first against the run of play. In the 27th minute, Fabián Ruiz found the back of the net with a stunning left-footed shot that left Arsenal keeper David Raya with no chance. This goal not only doubled PSG's aggregate lead but also shifted the momentum in their favor.
Despite the setback, Arsenal continued to fight. They had a golden opportunity to level the score in the 69th minute when Vitinha was awarded a penalty. However, Raya made a brilliant save, keeping Arsenal's hopes alive momentarily. Just moments later, Achraf Hakimi extended PSG's lead to 2-0 with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, making it increasingly difficult for Arsenal to recover.
Arsenal's persistence finally paid off in the 76th minute when Bukayo Saka scored, creating a tense finish to the match. Saka's goal came after a defensive lapse by PSG, but it was not enough to spark a full comeback. The Gunners had a chance to equalize late in the game, but Saka blazed a promising opportunity over the bar, sealing their fate and confirming PSG's advancement to the final.
After the match, PSG players expressed their joy and determination. "It's a great feeling, we've done a great job to deserve all this, we have to make the most of it. We've done our job to get to the final, but it's not over yet, we want more, we want to win this title," said PSG captain Marquinhos, emphasizing their ambition for the trophy.
Achraf Hakimi, who was named man of the match for his impactful performance, praised manager Luis Enrique's influence on the team. "Luis Enrique has done an incredible job since arriving at PSG, he's created a great team," he remarked, highlighting the transformation under the Spanish coach.
On the other side, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reflected on the disappointment of the loss but remained proud of his team's effort. "I am so proud of the players. They deserve a lot of credit for what they are doing in the context of the situation and the amount of injuries, probably the worst state you could arrive here as a team," he stated. Despite the pain of elimination, Arteta acknowledged the spirit and determination his players displayed throughout the match.
As PSG prepares for their final against Inter Milan, they will be looking to capture their first Champions League title, a coveted prize that has eluded them in recent years. The clash promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams aiming to make history.
In the context of the match, Arsenal's last Champions League final appearance was in 2006, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Barcelona at the Stade de France in Paris. With this latest exit, the Gunners will have to regroup and focus on their future endeavors.
As the excitement builds for the final, PSG fans will be hoping their team can finally lift the trophy that has been the subject of their dreams for so long. The stakes couldn't be higher, and with players like Hakimi and Ruiz in form, PSG will be a formidable opponent.
With the final just weeks away, all eyes will be on PSG as they prepare to face Inter Milan, a match that promises to be filled with intensity and passion as both teams vie for European glory.
