In a thrilling showdown at the Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the Champions League final with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal, completing a 3-1 aggregate win in the semi-final. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the brilliance of PSG's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and the relentless spirit of Arsenal.
Arsenal entered the match with a mission to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, and they started brightly, dominating possession and creating early chances. Declan Rice came close to scoring with a header that narrowly missed the target, setting the tone for what many hoped would be a dramatic comeback.
However, it was PSG who drew first blood in the 27th minute. After a free-kick from Vitinha was cleared by Thomas Partey, the ball fell to Fabian Ruiz, who expertly controlled it before sending a stunning half-volley past Arsenal's keeper David Raya. This marked Ruiz's first-ever goal in the Champions League, and it put PSG ahead in the tie.
Despite the setback, Arsenal continued to push forward, and they were met with another spectacular performance from Donnarumma. The Italian shot-stopper was in superb form, making an incredible point-blank save from Gabriel Martinelli just minutes into the match and following it up with a remarkable stop from Martin Odegaard’s well-placed shot.
As the match progressed, PSG began to find their rhythm, relying on counter-attacks to threaten Arsenal's defense. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia nearly doubled PSG's lead in the 18th minute, hitting the post with a curling effort that left Arsenal fans holding their breath.
In the second half, the tide began to turn against Arsenal. After a VAR review determined that Myles Lewis-Skelly had handled the ball in the area, PSG was awarded a penalty. Vitinha stepped up to take the kick, but his effort was saved by Raya, keeping Arsenal's hopes alive.
However, just minutes later, Achraf Hakimi made it 2-0 for PSG in the 72nd minute. Combining brilliantly with substitute Ousmane Dembélé, Hakimi curled a shot into the bottom corner, leaving Arsenal in a precarious position as they now needed two goals to force extra time.
Arsenal managed to pull one back in the 76th minute when Bukayo Saka scored after a deflected cross from Leandro Trossard fell perfectly into his path. Saka's goal reignited hopes for the Gunners, but they were unable to find an equalizer despite several late attempts.
After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration at the missed opportunities, stating, "We were much better than them for long periods, but we didn’t take our chances. The best player on the pitch was their goalkeeper. We were very close but not close enough."
Arteta's sentiments were echoed by midfielder Declan Rice, who lamented the small margins that defined the match: "It’s gutting. Two mistakes from us led to two goals for them. We gave it absolutely everything, and sometimes in life, you have to lose a few to win. This group will come back stronger."
On the other side, PSG celebrated a hard-fought victory that propelled them into the final against Inter Milan on May 31, 2025. This will mark their second Champions League final in five years, a chance to finally lift the coveted trophy after their previous attempts fell short.
Reflecting on the match, PSG coach Luis Enrique praised his team's resilience, saying, "We showed great adaptability tonight. Arsenal came out strong, but we found ways to counter their attacks and capitalize on our chances. We are looking forward to the final against Inter."
The match showcased the intense rivalry between the two clubs, with Arsenal's hopes dashed once again as they sought their first European Cup title after 21 appearances in the competition. Despite their exit, Arsenal's performance in the tournament has been commendable, and they will surely aim to build on this experience for future campaigns.
As PSG prepares for their final showdown in Munich, the focus will be on overcoming their past disappointments and seizing the opportunity to make history. For Arsenal, the journey continues as they regroup and refocus their efforts on domestic success in the Premier League.
In conclusion, PSG's victory not only highlights their strength in European football but also leaves Arsenal with questions to ponder as they look to improve their squad ahead of next season. The Champions League final promises to be an exciting clash as PSG and Inter Milan vie for glory.
