In a thrilling encounter at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) triumphed over Arsenal with a 2-1 victory, securing their place in the Champions League final with a 3-1 aggregate score. The French champions, who have long sought this elusive trophy, will face Italian giants Inter Milan in Munich on May 31, 2025.
The match began with Arsenal dominating possession and creating several opportunities, only to be thwarted by PSG's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made crucial saves. However, it was PSG who struck first, as Fabian Ruiz unleashed a stunning left-footed shot in the 27th minute, giving the hosts a vital goal that extended their aggregate lead.
Arsenal's hopes took a further hit when Vitinha's penalty was saved by David Raya in the 69th minute, a controversial decision awarded for a handball that left many questioning the referee's judgment. Just moments later, Achraf Hakimi doubled PSG's lead with a well-placed shot, putting the Parisians ahead 2-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate.
Despite the uphill battle, Arsenal managed to pull one back through Bukayo Saka in the 76th minute, but it was not enough to change the outcome, as they fell short of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.
This latest defeat marks a disappointing end to Arsenal's season, raising questions about Mikel Arteta's future as manager. The Gunners have now failed to progress from their last four major cup semi-finals, a streak that has many fans concerned about the club's trajectory.
"It's tough," said Arsenal's Declan Rice in a post-match interview. "We've done the whole season without five or six of our best players, so to do what we've done is unbelievable. We gave it everything, and you could see that we believed. On another night, we might have scored two or three goals, but that first 20 minutes where they scored and we didn't take our chances was a kick in the teeth."
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard echoed Rice's sentiments, stating, "We gave it a proper go. We started the game really well, had the momentum, and created a few big chances. In the end, it wasn't enough. We weren't strong enough in the boxes, and that's where we lost it. It's painful, but we have to learn from this and come back stronger."
PSG's victory was not just a testament to their attacking prowess but also highlighted the impressive performances of their players throughout the tournament. Ousmane Dembele, who has been a standout performer in 2025 with 25 goals and 6 assists, continues to solidify his status as a serious Ballon d'Or contender.
On their path to the final, PSG has eliminated four Premier League teams: Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and now Arsenal. This impressive feat has led many to label them as the Premier League's kryptonite.
As the match concluded, the fireworks lit up the Parisian sky, signaling PSG's advancement to their fourth major European final. The team previously reached the finals of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1996 and 1997, winning the first, and lost the Champions League final in 2020 to Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will now turn their focus back to the Premier League, aiming to secure a strong finish to their season. With just three games remaining, they hope to build on their performance and return to the Champions League next season.
In the aftermath of the match, Arteta acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, particularly praising Donnarumma's performance. "The best player on the pitch has been their goalkeeper. He has been the difference for them in the tie," Arteta said. "We were very close, much closer than the result showed, but unfortunately, we are out. I am very proud of the players."
As PSG prepares for their final clash against Inter Milan, they will look to capitalize on their momentum and finally lift the Champions League trophy that has long eluded them. The anticipation for the final is already building, with fans eager to see if PSG can overcome their past disappointments and achieve European glory.
With the clock winding down and the match coming to a close, Arsenal's players were visibly dejected, sinking to their knees on the pitch. However, they can take pride in their spirited performance, which showcased their potential despite the outcome.
As the football world turns its attention to the Champions League final, both PSG and Inter Milan will be eager to etch their names into the history books. For PSG, this final represents not only a chance at redemption but also an opportunity to fulfill the ambitions of their Qatari owners, who desire European success.
As for Arsenal, the challenge now is to regroup, reflect, and rebuild for the future, with hopes of returning to the top of European football. The pain of this defeat will linger, but it may also serve as motivation to drive them forward in the coming seasons.
