PARIS – On Wednesday night, Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated extraordinary resilience and adaptability as they faced and overcame a relentless Arsenal team, winning 2-1 to secure their place in the Champions League final. This victory provides them with another chance to claim the coveted title that has eluded them so far. Despite being starved of their usual ball possession, PSG strategically leaned on counter-attacks and the impressive goalkeeping of Gianluigi Donnarumma to advance with a 3-1 aggregate score.
This marks only the second time in the club’s history that PSG has reached the final of Europe’s premier competition, having previously been runners-up five years prior. Notably, this achievement comes in PSG’s first season following the departure of their superstar Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid. The gap left by Mbappé wasn’t filled by signing another marquee player, showcasing a significant shift in strategy for a club historically known for its lavish spending on high-profile names such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, and Neymar.
The club’s new approach has enabled coach Luis Enrique to construct a younger, more cohesive squad that plays top-tier football across Europe. “From day one, our goal has been to strive hard enough to make history — a goal that remains unchanged,” Enrique remarked. “Our ambition is to be the first to win the long-sought-after trophy. This project has evolved since last year, and I feel very comfortable as a coach here, having the freedom and backing from the president to mold the team we envision, adapting according to market demands to form a squad that progresses daily.”
Paris Saint-Germain will now face Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich, attempting once more to capture their first Champions League title. “We have immense faith in our coach and our players — young, talented, and hungry players,” stated PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi. “Their commitment to the team, city, and club is paramount. However, there’s still one more match to conquer… we are far from finished.”
Inter Milan, with three European titles to its name, edged past Barcelona with a thrilling 7-6 aggregate in what is being hailed as one of the most memorable semifinals in the history of the competition. PSG, who had earlier knocked out Aston Villa and Liverpool, also sent Arsenal packing this time around, having lost to Borussia Dortmund in the semis last year and to Bayern Munich in the 2020 final.
PSG managed to break the deadlock in the 27th minute from a set piece, capitalizing on a loose ball cleared by the Arsenal defense. Fabian Ruiz seized this opportunity with a striking half-volley that found the back of the net. Achraf Hakimi then doubled the score in the 72nd minute with a precise finish before Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka managed to claw one back.
In last week’s clash in London, Arsenal struggled to contend with PSG’s high-paced midfield intensity, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat. However, this time, bolstered by the reintroduction of Thomas Partey in midfield, Arsenal commanded 61 attacks compared to PSG’s 26. Their early dominance was evident when Declan Rice narrowly missed a header, followed shortly by Gabriel Martinelli’s attempt which tested Donnarumma.
Arsenal effectively exploited the flanks and in the eighth minute, Martin Ødegaard launched a powerful drive from outside the area, forcing another critical save from Donnarumma. With limited opportunities, PSG had to bide their time, waiting for openings through counter-attacks — openings that were scarce.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found some space on the left in the 17th minute, cutting inside to release one of his signature curling shots, only to see it rebound off the post. PSG missed out on profiting from William Saliba’s misplaced pass, as Désiré Doué failed to deliver a strong shot, sending it straight to the goalie, Raya.
Arsenal’s next noteworthy chance came after the hour mark, with Saka’s precise curled shot appearing destined for the top corner before Donnarumma’s acrobatic save denied him. Subsequently, Vitinha faltered on a penalty opportunity after a VAR review flagged Myles Lewis-Skelly for a handball. Nevertheless, PSG solidified their advantage when Hakimi coolly netted from an Ousmane Dembélé’s assist.
Arsenal continued pressing until the closing moments, managing to reduce the margin with a goal from Saka in the 76th minute, but it wasn’t enough to sway the overall result.