In a thrilling encounter 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 allowed PSG to progress with an aggregate score of 3-1, following their 1-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
The match kicked off at 10:00 PM Cairo time, with a packed stadium eagerly awaiting the clash between these two European giants. Broadcast live on beIN Sports HD 1, the game drew significant attention from football fans around the world.
PSG's head coach, Luis Enrique, fielded a formidable lineup that featured Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, supported by a defensive line of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Saliba, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield was anchored by Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabian Ruiz, while the attacking trio comprised Bradley Parkula, Doi, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Notably, Ousmane Dembélé, returning from injury, was available on the bench, providing additional tactical options for Enrique.
On the other side, Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta opted for a balanced approach, placing David Raya in goal. The defense included Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, and Luis Skelly. In midfield, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Ødegaard were tasked with controlling the game, while the attack featured Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Merino, who relied on speed and creativity to threaten PSG's defense.
Despite Arsenal's strong start and early possession, it was PSG who struck first. In the 27th minute, Fabian Ruiz unleashed a stunning shot from outside the box that found the back of the net, catching Raya off guard and putting PSG ahead 1-0. The goal ignited the home crowd and shifted the momentum in favor of the Parisians.
As the second half unfolded, PSG had a chance to extend their lead when Vitinha was awarded a penalty. However, he missed the opportunity, allowing Arsenal to stay in the game. Just when it seemed Arsenal might capitalize on that miss, Achraf Hakimi scored a brilliant goal in the 72nd minute, doubling PSG's lead to 2-0.
Arsenal responded with urgency, and their persistence paid off when Bukayo Saka managed to pull one back in the 76th minute, making it 2-1. However, despite several attempts to equalize, including a near-miss from Saka in front of an open goal, Arsenal could not find the back of the net again.
This result marked PSG's second appearance in a Champions League final, with their previous one dating back to 2020. They will face Inter Milan, who advanced after defeating Barcelona in the other semi-final.
Following the match, Enrique expressed his pride in his team's performance, stating, "We showed resilience and tactical discipline against a very strong Arsenal side. This victory means a lot to us as we aim for our first Champions League title."
Arteta, on the other hand, lamented the missed opportunities, particularly the penalty, saying, "We had our chances, but we couldn't convert them. It’s a tough lesson for us, but we will learn and come back stronger."
The stakes were high for both teams, as PSG sought to solidify their dominance in European football, while Arsenal aimed to reclaim their status among the elite. The match showcased the tactical prowess of both managers and the quality of players on each side.
Looking ahead, PSG will prepare for the final against Inter Milan, scheduled for May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The anticipation is already building among fans, with hopes high for a historic victory.
In conclusion, this semi-final clash not only highlighted the competitive spirit of European football but also set the stage for an exciting final that promises to be a spectacle for fans around the world.
