In an electrifying atmosphere at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their place in the UEFA Champions League final with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal on May 7, 2025. This win, coupled with their 1-0 triumph in the first leg, gives PSG a 3-1 aggregate score, marking their second final appearance in five years.
The match began with Arsenal applying significant pressure, looking to overturn the deficit from the first leg. Declan Rice nearly opened the scoring for the Gunners, but his header went just wide of Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal. Donnarumma, who had already been a standout performer, made several crucial saves early on, denying Martin Ødegaard and keeping Arsenal at bay.
PSG weathered the storm and struck first in the 27th minute. After a free-kick was cleared poorly by the Arsenal defense, Fabian Ruiz seized the opportunity, unleashing a stunning shot that found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. This goal not only gave PSG a crucial 1-0 lead on the night but also extended their aggregate advantage to 2-0.
Despite the setback, Arsenal continued to press forward. The Gunners managed to dominate possession, holding 54.4% of the ball and registering 19 shots throughout the match. However, they struggled to convert their chances into goals, with Donnarumma's heroics playing a significant role in keeping them at bay.
In the second half, PSG was awarded a penalty after Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalized for a handball in the box. Vitinha stepped up to take the spot-kick in the 67th minute but was denied by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who made a brilliant save to keep Arsenal's hopes alive.
Just five minutes later, Achraf Hakimi doubled PSG's lead with a well-placed shot that curled into the net, making it 2-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate. The goal seemed to put PSG in a comfortable position, but Arsenal wasn't done yet.
In the 76th minute, Bukayo Saka pulled one back for the Gunners, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up between Trossard and Marquinhos. Saka's goal made it 2-1, reigniting Arsenal's hopes of a comeback.
As the match entered its final stages, Arsenal pushed for an equalizer, but PSG's defense held firm. The match concluded with PSG celebrating their hard-fought victory, securing their place in the final against Inter Milan, which will take place on May 31, 2025, in Munich.
After the match, PSG captain Marquinhos expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "This victory is a testament to our hard work. We faced many challenges, but we stayed focused and executed our game plan effectively." Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi reflected on the team's journey, saying, "Many doubted us, but we believed in ourselves. This is a moment we all worked hard for, and we are excited to face Inter in the final."
PSG's path to the final has been remarkable, showcasing their resilience and talent. They are now just one match away from claiming their first Champions League title, a feat that has eluded them since their last final appearance in 2020 when they lost to Bayern Munich.
The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown in Munich, where PSG will face Inter Milan, who secured their spot in the final after a thrilling victory over FC Barcelona. As the countdown to the final begins, PSG fans are hopeful that their team will finally lift the coveted trophy and etch their name in Champions League history.
