Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the UEFA Champions League final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025. This win allowed PSG to triumph 3-1 on aggregate, setting up a final showdown against Inter Milan on May 31.
Arsenal entered the match with a clear mission: they needed to overcome a 2-0 deficit from the first leg to avoid elimination from the prestigious tournament. The stakes were high, and the Gunners were determined to turn the tide in their favor. However, PSG’s experience and tactical prowess ultimately proved too much for the Premier League side.
The match kicked off with Arsenal showing early aggression, aiming to capitalize on their chances. Within the first three minutes, Jurriën Timber delivered a perfectly weighted cross to Declan Rice, who unfortunately headed wide from a promising position. Arsenal continued to press, registering five shots in the opening ten minutes, their most in a Champions League away match this season. The Gunners were clearly intent on making an early statement.
Despite Arsenal's bright start, it was PSG who struck first. In the 27th minute, Fabián Ruiz collected a loose ball after a free-kick was only partially cleared by Arsenal. Ruiz unleashed a stunning half-volley that left goalkeeper David Raya with no chance, putting PSG ahead 1-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate.
PSG began to find their rhythm after taking the lead, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia coming close to doubling the advantage shortly after, hitting the post with a curling shot. Arsenal, however, refused to back down and continued to create opportunities. The Gunners’ efforts nearly paid off when Bukayo Saka whipped in a corner, but Timber could not convert.
As the second half unfolded, Arsenal's frustration grew, and their hopes of a comeback were nearly dashed when a penalty was awarded to PSG after a handball by Myles Lewis-Skelly. Vitinha stepped up to take the penalty, but Raya made a spectacular save, keeping Arsenal's hopes alive.
Just when it seemed Arsenal might find an equalizer, Achraf Hakimi extended PSG's lead in the 72nd minute. After a clever play involving Ousmane Dembélé, who had just come off the bench, Hakimi curled a precise shot into the far corner, making it 2-0 on the night and putting PSG firmly in control.
Arsenal, however, showed their resilience. In a dramatic twist, Saka managed to pull one back for the Gunners, scoring after a deflected cross from Leandro Trossard found him in space. This goal marked Saka’s 10th Champions League goal in just his 18th appearance, a remarkable feat for the young Englishman.
Despite Arsenal’s late surge and a spirited fight, PSG held on to secure their spot in the final. The match ended with a 2-1 victory for the Parisians, and the aggregate score stood at 3-1. The attendance at the Parc des Princes was recorded at 47,511, all witnessing a thrilling encounter.
Following the match, Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment but acknowledged the effort put forth by his team. "We fought hard and created chances, but we just couldn’t find that finishing touch when it mattered most. It’s a tough night for us, but we’ll learn and come back stronger," he said.
On the other hand, PSG's coach Luis Enrique praised his team's adaptability and resilience. "We knew Arsenal would come at us, and we had to be ready to defend and counter. The players executed the game plan perfectly, and I’m proud of their performance tonight," he stated.
With this victory, PSG advanced to their fourth major European final, having previously reached the finals in 1996, 1997, and 2020. The Parisians will be eager to claim their first-ever Champions League title after falling short in the past, particularly after their loss to Bayern Munich in 2020.
As PSG prepares for their final against Inter Milan, the football world will be watching closely. Inter, who defeated Barcelona in a thrilling semi-final, will pose a significant challenge. The final promises to be an exciting clash of styles, and both teams will be hungry for glory.
For Arsenal, the defeat marks another disappointment in a string of semi-final exits. They have now failed to progress from their last four major cup semi-finals, a record that will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the team as they look to regroup for the next season.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, fans from both sides will reflect on the highs and lows of the match. PSG will celebrate their advancement to the final, while Arsenal must ponder what could have been. The Champions League continues to deliver drama and excitement, and the final is set to be a must-watch event for football fans around the globe.
