PARIS — The stage was set for a thrilling encounter as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) hosted Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the iconic Parc des Princes. With PSG holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, thanks to a goal from Ousmane Dembélé, the stakes were high for both teams as they aimed for a place in the final against Inter Milan, who had triumphed over Barcelona in a dramatic semifinal.
PSG entered the match with a mix of confidence and caution, having already secured the Ligue 1 title, but they faced a challenging situation after suffering two consecutive defeats in their domestic league. The most recent setback came against RC Strasbourg, where they lost 2-1 despite a goal from Bradley Barcola. "We have to bounce back from our recent performances and focus on what’s ahead," said PSG coach Luis Enrique before the match.
Arsenal, on the other hand, were also looking to shake off a disappointing loss in the Premier League, where they fell 2-1 to Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. Despite the defeat, the Gunners remained in second place in the league, but needed to overturn the one-goal deficit to advance in the Champions League. "This is one of our biggest nights for a long time, but we want to make the final," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. "The margins between the two teams are so small, and we have a big conviction that we are going to do it tonight."
As the match kicked off, the atmosphere was electric, with PSG fans creating a vibrant backdrop, while Arsenal supporters were determined to make their presence felt. The first half began with Arsenal applying pressure, looking to capitalize on their chances. Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard all had opportunities to score, but none could find the back of the net. PSG gradually settled into the game, and in the 27th minute, they struck gold. A well-executed free-kick saw Fabian Ruiz unleash a stunning shot into the top corner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. PSG now led 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate.
Despite the setback, Arsenal continued to fight back. They needed to score at least three goals to progress, and the urgency was palpable. However, PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma was in fine form, making crucial saves to deny the Gunners. Achraf Hakimi praised Donnarumma, stating, "Gigio is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We have great confidence in him."
As the first half came to a close, Arsenal was left to ponder missed opportunities. They entered the break trailing 1-0, and 2-0 on aggregate, knowing they had a mountain to climb in the second half. Arteta's side had to regroup and devise a plan to breach PSG’s defense, which had been solid throughout the match.
In the second half, Arsenal made tactical adjustments, bringing on fresh legs in hopes of turning the tide. However, PSG remained resolute in defense, with Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi leading the charge. The Gunners' frustration grew as they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized PSG backline.
Throughout the match, the physicality of both teams was evident, with several players receiving yellow cards. Declan Rice was booked in the 25th minute for a foul, while PSG's Nuno Mendes received a yellow for a late tackle. The intensity on the pitch matched the fervor in the stands, as fans from both sides passionately supported their teams.
As the clock ticked down, Arsenal's hope began to fade. They pushed forward desperately, but PSG's counter-attacks proved dangerous. With Dembélé starting on the bench due to a slight hamstring injury, his absence was felt, but Barcola and Kvaratskhelia stepped up to fill the void. The final whistle blew, and PSG emerged victorious with a 1-0 win on the night, sealing a 2-0 aggregate victory.
With this win, PSG advanced to the Champions League final, set to face Inter Milan on May 31, 2025. This match marked PSG's second appearance in the final, having previously reached it in 2020. Meanwhile, Arsenal's quest for a return to the final after 19 years ended in disappointment. They had hoped to overturn the first-leg deficit, but ultimately fell short against a determined PSG side.
As the players left the pitch, the contrasting emotions were clear. PSG celebrated their advancement, while Arsenal faced the harsh reality of their elimination. Arteta acknowledged the effort of his players, stating, "We gave it our all, but it wasn’t enough tonight. We’ll learn from this experience and come back stronger." The stage is set for an exciting final in Munich, as PSG looks to capture their first Champions League title, while Arsenal will reflect on what might have been.
