On the night of May 7, 2025, the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg unfolded at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris, where Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced off against Arsenal. Following a narrow victory in the first leg, PSG was eager to secure their place in the final.
Both teams announced their starting lineups ahead of the match. PSG fielded a strong squad featuring Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, flanked by Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos in defense, with Pacho, Mendes, Vitinha, Neves, and Fabian Ruiz making up the midfield. The attacking trio included Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, and Doué. Meanwhile, Arsenal lined up with Raya in goal, supported by Timber, Saliba, Kivior, and Lúis-Skellly in defense. The midfield was anchored by Partey, Rice, and Odegaard, while Saka, Martinelli, and Merino led the attack.
Kickoff was set for 22:00 Kyiv time, and anticipation was high following PSG's 1:0 win in the first leg, where Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal. However, Dembele was sidelined for this match due to a muscle injury sustained in London, leaving fans to wonder how PSG would adapt without him.
The match began with PSG showing their attacking intent early on. Just minutes into the game, Kvaratskhelia came close to scoring, but his shot rattled the post, sending a ripple of excitement through the crowd. The home side's pressure paid off in the 27th minute when Fabian Ruiz found the back of the net, capitalizing on a corner kick. His quick reflexes allowed him to be the first to react to the ball, putting PSG ahead 1:0.
As the second half commenced, Arsenal needed to respond to the growing deficit. The Gunners pushed forward, looking to equalize, but PSG's defense held firm. In the 72nd minute, Hakimi doubled PSG's advantage, slotting home a well-placed shot after a swift counterattack. The crowd erupted as the home side took a commanding 2:0 lead, seemingly on their way to the final.
However, Arsenal refused to go down without a fight. Just four minutes later, Saka managed to score a consolation goal, bringing the score to 2:1. This goal reignited hope for the visitors, as they sought to find an equalizer and force the match into extra time.
Despite their efforts, Arsenal could not find the back of the net again, and PSG held on to secure their place in the Champions League final with a 2:1 victory on the night, and a 3:1 aggregate score over the two legs. The match concluded with PSG celebrating their hard-fought win, while Arsenal faced the disappointment of elimination.
After the match, PSG's coach, Luis Enrique, expressed pride in his team's performance. "We showed resilience and determination tonight. The players stepped up, especially with the absence of Dembele. Fabian's goal was crucial for us, and Hakimi's strike sealed the deal," he said. Enrique's strategy paid off, as his side demonstrated both defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
On the other side, Arsenal's coach, Mikel Arteta, reflected on the match, stating, "We gave it our all, but we fell short. The early goal was tough for us, and while we fought back, it just wasn't enough. We have to learn from this experience and come back stronger next season." Arteta's comments highlighted the need for growth as his squad prepares for future challenges.
Looking ahead, PSG will now focus on the upcoming final, where they will face Inter Milan, who defeated Barcelona to secure their place. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for European glory.
As the dust settles on this semi-final clash, PSG fans will celebrate their team's achievement, while Arsenal supporters will hope for a brighter future. The Champions League has once again delivered drama, excitement, and the promise of more to come.
