PSG See Off Arsenal to Reach Champions League Final With 3–1 Aggregate Win
Paris Saint-Germain have booked their place in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final after defeating Arsenal 2-1 in the second leg of their semi-final clash, earning a 3-1 aggregate triumph at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.
Goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi sealed the victory for the Parisians, who will now face Inter Milan in the final on May 31 in Munich.
Ruiz opened the scoring in the 27th minute, smashing home from the edge of the box after Arsenal’s early dominance had tested PSG’s resolve. The Gunners had started brightly, with Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard all coming close in the opening minutes.
Despite the early pressure, PSG weathered the storm and gradually took control. They nearly scored through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who hit the post, and Desire Doue, who shot straight at David Raya.
Following Ruiz’s opener, PSG missed a chance to double the lead when Vitinha saw his second-half penalty saved after a handball by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
But Hakimi eventually made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute, finishing confidently from a Ousmane Dembele assist. Though Bukayo Saka pulled one back for Arsenal minutes later, it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
Saka had a golden opportunity to level on the night but fired over with the goal at his mercy, confirming Arsenal’s exit and PSG’s advancement.
It’s PSG’s second Champions League final in five years, following their 2020 loss to Bayern Munich, and their first in front of fans after COVID-19 restrictions impacted the 2020 campaign.
Arsenal, on the other hand, miss out on reaching their first UCL final since 2006. Their focus now turns back to domestic matters, as they aim to finish second in the Premier League for the third consecutive season.
