In a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final clash, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) edged past Arsenal with a 2-1 victory on May 8, 2025, securing a 3-1 aggregate win to advance to the final against Inter Milan. The match, held at Parc des Princes, showcased intense action, with both teams displaying their attacking prowess.
PSG entered the second leg with a narrow advantage, having won the first match 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal, determined to overturn the deficit, started the match aggressively, creating three significant chances within the first eight minutes. Declan Rice’s header narrowly missed the target in the 3rd minute, followed by Gabriel Martinelli testing PSG's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a close-range effort just a minute later. Martin Odegaard also had a chance, firing a quick shot from the edge of the box, but Donnarumma was equal to it, making two crucial saves in the opening minutes.
Despite Arsenal's early dominance, PSG responded effectively, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia striking the post in the 17th minute. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Fabian Ruiz volleyed a stunning shot into the net after a defensive clearance from Thomas Partey fell into his path. This goal shifted the momentum in favor of PSG, who began to assert more control over the match.
Arsenal continued to push forward, desperate to find an equalizer, but they were met with a resilient PSG defense. The match took a pivotal turn in the 69th minute when Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalized for handling the ball in the area. Vitinha stepped up to take the penalty, but David Raya, Arsenal's goalkeeper, made an impressive save, keeping the Gunners' hopes alive.
However, just three minutes later, Achraf Hakimi doubled PSG's lead with a spectacular curling shot from the edge of the box, making it 2-0. The goal came after a well-coordinated team play that left Arsenal's defense exposed. The situation worsened for Arsenal when they were now trailing by three goals on aggregate.
In a bid to salvage their European campaign, Arsenal finally found the net in the 76th minute. Leandro Trossard set up Bukayo Saka, who scored to reduce the deficit to 2-1. However, despite their efforts to level the score, Arsenal could not capitalize on their momentum. They faced their second consecutive defeat against PSG in the Champions League, marking a disappointing end to their campaign.
This latest loss means Arsenal will go without a major trophy for the fifth consecutive season, a stark contrast to their ambitions at the start of the campaign. Meanwhile, PSG's victory propels them into the Champions League final, where they will face Inter Milan, who advanced after defeating Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in the other semi-final.
The match statistics reflect a competitive encounter, with Arsenal showing early promise but ultimately failing to convert their chances. PSG, meanwhile, demonstrated their ability to withstand pressure and capitalize on critical moments, which has become a hallmark of their play under coach Luis Enrique.
PSG’s lineup featured Donnarumma in goal, with Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, and Mendes in defense. The midfield trio included Ruiz, Vitinha, and Neves, while Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, and Doue led the attack. Arsenal's starting eleven comprised Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Merino, and Martinelli.
As the dust settles on this semi-final showdown, PSG will look forward to their final match at the Allianz Arena in Germany, aiming for their first Champions League title. Arsenal, on the other hand, must regroup and reflect on their performance as they face another season without silverware.
