In a thrilling Champions League semi-final clash, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) hosted Arsenal at the iconic Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025, with the stakes higher than ever. Having secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, PSG was in a favorable position to advance to the final, needing only a draw to confirm their spot. Meanwhile, Arsenal faced a daunting task, needing to overcome the deficit to keep their hopes alive of reaching their first Champions League final in nearly two decades.
The match kicked off at 21:00 local time, and the atmosphere was electric, with fans filling the stands, eager to witness a decisive battle between two of Europe’s elite clubs. PSG, under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, aimed to capitalize on their first-leg advantage while Arsenal sought redemption after a disappointing outing in London.
Ousmane Dembélé, who had scored the crucial goal in the first leg, was initially set to start but ultimately began the match on the bench as a precaution due to a hamstring injury he sustained in the previous match. "Ousmane Dembélé is ready but he will not start the match," Luis Enrique confirmed in a pre-match interview. Despite his absence from the starting lineup, Dembélé's presence was felt, and fans remained hopeful for his impact later in the game.
PSG's lineup featured Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with a defensive line of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos (captain), Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield was anchored by Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabian Ruiz, while the attacking trio consisted of Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The tactical setup aimed to exploit Arsenal's weaknesses, especially given the Gunners' injury woes.
Arsenal entered the match missing several key players, including Timber and Odegaard, who joined a lengthy injury list that already included Havertz, Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus, Calafiori, Jorginho, and Tomiyasu. Despite these setbacks, Arsenal was determined to push forward, knowing that a single goal could swing the momentum in their favor.
As the match unfolded, PSG quickly established control, showcasing their attacking prowess. It wasn't long before Fabian Ruiz found the back of the net, scoring a stunning goal that set the tone for the evening. The goal came from a poorly cleared free kick, which Ruiz seized upon, feigning a shot before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike that left Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, with no chance. The 1-0 lead put PSG firmly in the driver's seat, extending their overall advantage to 2-0.
With the scoreline now favoring PSG, Arsenal needed to respond urgently. The Gunners ramped up their attacking efforts, but PSG's defense held firm, thwarting several attempts to break through. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Arsenal pressed for a goal that would reignite their hopes.
As the match progressed, PSG's strategy shifted to a more defensive posture, looking to absorb Arsenal's pressure while seeking opportunities to counterattack. Dembélé, who had been warming up on the sidelines, was finally brought into the match to add fresh legs and skill to the attack. His presence immediately electrified the crowd, and fans were eager to see if he could replicate his first-leg heroics.
Despite Arsenal's relentless pursuit of a goal, PSG's composed performance and tactical discipline kept the Gunners at bay. The Parisian side's experience in high-stakes matches shone through, as they navigated the final moments with poise.
As the match drew to a close, PSG's fans erupted in celebration, knowing that their team was on the verge of reaching the Champions League final. The final whistle confirmed PSG's 1-0 victory on the night, sealing a 2-0 aggregate win over Arsenal.
With this victory, PSG advanced to the final, where they will face Inter Milan, who had triumphed over Barcelona in a thrilling semi-final encounter that ended 4-3. The final is set to take place in Munich on May 31, 2025, and PSG will be looking to secure their first Champions League title in club history.
In terms of broadcasting, the match was available on Canal+, Canal+ Foot, Canal+ Live, and myCanal, allowing fans to catch all the action live. The coverage ensured that supporters could follow their teams in this crucial encounter, with Canal+ offering various subscription options to accommodate viewers.
As the dust settles on this semi-final showdown, PSG can reflect on a job well done, while Arsenal must regroup and address their challenges as they look forward to next season. The anticipation for the final against Inter Milan is already building, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be an unforgettable clash.
