In a thrilling encounter at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) triumphed over Arsenal with a 2-1 victory on May 7, 2025, securing a place in the UEFA Champions League final with an aggregate score of 3-1. This marks PSG's first appearance in the final since 2020, ending a five-year wait to compete for the prestigious trophy.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly for Arsenal, who delivered their best European performance since the 2008/09 season. The Gunners entered the contest with the daunting task of overcoming a narrow 1-0 deficit from the first leg, where Ousmane Dembélé's early goal proved decisive. However, despite their spirited efforts, they fell short.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were eager to make their mark. PSG struck first in the 31st minute when Fabián Ruiz capitalized on a defensive lapse from Arsenal. Controlling the ball with a sublime first touch on the edge of the area, Ruiz unleashed a powerful shot that soared past goalkeeper David Raya and nestled into the top corner. This goal not only extended PSG's aggregate lead to 2-0 but also set the tone for a tense evening.
Arsenal, however, refused to back down. Bukayo Saka, who has been a revelation for the Gunners this season, came close to leveling the score multiple times. Just before halftime, Saka had a golden opportunity to score but headed wide from six yards out, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
As the second half commenced, the Gunners pressed for a goal, knowing that they needed to score to have any hope of overturning the aggregate deficit. Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Saka finally found the back of the net. After latching onto a deflected cross, he rounded PSG's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and tapped the ball into an empty net, making it 3-1 on aggregate.
Despite this glimmer of hope, PSG responded swiftly. Just minutes later, Achraf Hakimi scored a stunning goal, firing a shot into the bottom corner from inside the penalty area. This moment was crucial, as it reestablished PSG's two-goal cushion and left Arsenal needing two more goals to advance.
The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams creating chances. Arsenal's Martin Ødegaard unleashed a fierce strike that seemed destined for the goal, but Donnarumma was there to make a sensational save, diving to his right to deny the shot. The PSG goalkeeper's performance was pivotal, as he consistently thwarted Arsenal's attacks throughout the match.
As the game entered its final minutes, Arsenal's frustration grew. They swung in several corners and free-kicks, but Donnarumma's dominance in the air was evident as he cleared deliveries with ease. In added time, PSG opted to hold possession in the corner, much to the delight of their home crowd, who celebrated their team's impending victory.
Overall, the match showcased the resilience of both teams, but ultimately, it was PSG who emerged victorious. Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We showed great character and quality, but we just couldn't find that finishing touch when it mattered most." Meanwhile, PSG's coach lauded his players for their composure under pressure and their ability to execute their game plan effectively.
This victory not only propels PSG into the Champions League final but also serves as a reminder of their status as one of Europe's elite clubs. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly anticipating who they will face in the final, as the road to Munich now lies open for Les Parisiens.