Paris Saint-Germain have qualified for the Champions League final after securing a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the second leg of their semi-final clash on Wednesday, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate win.
Fabian Ruiz’s strike from just outside the box in the 27th minute at the Parc des Princes put PSG in a strong position after they had weathered an early offensive from the visiting Arsenal side.
Having already gained an advantage through Ousmane Dembele’s goal in the first leg, PSG later saw Vitinha’s second-half penalty saved.
However, Achraf Hakimi extended PSG’s lead in the 72nd minute, effectively sealing the tie, although Bukayo Saka managed to score a consolation goal for Arsenal.
PSG will now face Inter Milan in the final in Munich on May 31, marking their second appearance in a Champions League final, five years after their defeat to Bayern Munich in Lisbon.
For Arsenal, their European journey ends here, failing to reach what would have been their second final, 19 years after their loss to Barcelona in Paris.
Without a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, Mikel Arteta’s team now focuses on securing a third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League.
The atmosphere in Paris was electric throughout the evening. PSG celebrated reaching the final in front of their home fans for the first time, as their semi-final victory against RB Leipzig in 2020 was played behind closed doors due to the pandemic.
Despite a tense pre-match atmosphere, PSG overcame their history of faltering in crucial Champions League matches.
Notably, their leading scorer, Dembele, started on the bench due to a hamstring issue from the first leg.
Arsenal, with Thomas Partey back in midfield after suspension, started strongly, attempting to silence the home crowd.
Declan Rice headed just wide, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made close-range saves from Gabriel Martinelli and a stunning low save from a Martin Odegaard shot within the first eight minutes.
PSG eventually settled and nearly scored in the 17th minute when Desire Doue set up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whose curling shot hit the post.
Doue then missed a clear opportunity, shooting directly at Arsenal’s David Raya after Bradley Barcola intercepted a loose ball.
PSG broke the deadlock before the half-hour mark following a free-kick awarded for a foul on Kvaratskhelia.
Vitinha’s delivery was headed out by Partey but fell to Ruiz, who controlled the ball and powerfully shot it in with his left foot as it bounced up. It was Ruiz’s first Champions League goal.
Barcola missed another chance for PSG shortly after, leaving Arsenal with some hope for the second half. Only a fingertip save from Donnarumma prevented Saka from scoring for Arsenal in the 64th minute, before PSG were awarded a penalty.
The referee awarded the penalty after reviewing a pitchside monitor, determining that Hakimi’s shot brushed Myles Lewis-Skelly’s outstretched hand. Arteta was visibly angry with the decision, but Raya saved Vitinha’s penalty, diving to his left.
Despite the missed penalty, PSG extended their lead to 2-0 when substitute Dembele set up Hakimi for a stylish finish.
However, Arsenal quickly responded when Saka scored from close range after substitute Leandro Trossard beat Marquinhos on the wing.
Saka then missed a golden opportunity to score, blazing over an open goal from Riccardo Calafiori’s cross, ensuring no miraculous Arsenal comeback and securing PSG’s place in the final.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
