Paris Saint-Germain have officially secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League final after overcoming a determined Arsenal side with a 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes, wrapping up the semi-final tie with a 3-1 aggregate scoreline.
In front of a vibrant home crowd, PSG weathered a spirited first-half display from Arsenal and responded with two critical goals from Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, ensuring their place in the final showdown in Munich, where they are set to face Inter Milan.
Arsenal, despite crashing out, showed clear intent from the onset. Mikel Arteta’s squad came out pressing high and looking sharp, a stark contrast to their flat performance in the first leg.
The reintroduction of Thomas Partey, who was unavailable in the previous match due to suspension, proved pivotal. His presence freed up Declan Rice to roam higher up the pitch, disrupt PSG’s rhythm, and lead the Gunners’ transitions from midfield.
However, PSG remained composed. Manager Luis Enrique made tactical adjustments midway through the first half, pulling his team into a more compact shape and switching to a counter-attacking game plan.
This strategy paid off, as PSG began to find joy in exploiting the gaps behind Arsenal’s advanced defensive line. With players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola offering raw pace and creativity, the hosts started creating more opportunities on the break.
The breakthrough came when Fabián Ruiz found the net following a swift counter-attack, shifting the momentum in PSG’s favour. Not long after, Achraf Hakimi added a second with a composed finish after another flowing move down the right flank.
Although Arsenal managed to claw one back to keep their hopes alive, PSG held firm. Not even Vitinha’s missed penalty could derail their confident push toward the final.
This result marks PSG’s first return to the Champions League final since 2020, reigniting hopes of finally lifting the coveted trophy and cementing their place among Europe’s elite clubs.
As for Arsenal, this defeat ends another European campaign short of the ultimate prize, leaving fans and players alike to reflect on what
could have been.