Paris Saint-Germain reached their second Champions League final after defeating Arsenal 2-1 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory in their semi-final tie. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced another outstanding display to deny the Gunners.
Arsenal, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, started the match brightly in Paris. They created several early opportunities but were repeatedly frustrated by the brilliance of Donnarumma, who made stunning saves to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard. Declan Rice also headed a good chance wide during the visitors’ dominant opening spell.
Having weathered the early storm, PSG took the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute. Thomas Partey’s headed clearance from a free-kick fell to Fabián Ruiz on the edge of the box, and the Spanish midfielder fired an emphatic finish past David Raya, albeit with the help of a slight deflection.
Arsenal were handed a potential lifeline before halftime when Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalized for handball, but Raya dived correctly to save Vitinha’s resulting spot-kick.
Donnarumma continued his heroics after the break, superbly tipping over a Bukayo Saka effort. PSG then extended their aggregate lead in the 72nd minute when Partey lost possession, allowing Achraf Hakimi to score on the turn.
Saka gave Arsenal late hope by finally beating Donnarumma with an angled finish four minutes later. However, the England winger then missed a golden opportunity to set up a dramatic finale when he shot over an open goal. PSG also had chances late on, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hitting the post.
The defeat ends Arsenal’s quest for a first Champions League title and extends their wait for any major trophy to five years (since the 2020 FA Cup). Mikel Arteta’s side, who deployed midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker again, were left to rue missed chances and Donnarumma’s brilliance over the two legs. They must now refocus on securing a top-five Premier League finish to ensure their return to the competition next season.
PSG, meanwhile, advance to the Champions League final in Munich on May 31st, where they will face Inter Milan, who overcame Barcelona in the other semi-final. The French champions will be aiming to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
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