Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in their history after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Arsenal in the second leg of their semifinal clash at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. The victory sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph, sending the French giants one step closer to European glory.
PSG broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz capitalized on a rebound from William Saliba, firing a low shot into the bottom left corner past goalkeeper David Raya.
The hosts had a golden chance to double their lead in the 69th minute after a VAR-awarded penalty for a handball by Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, Vitinha’s weak spot-kick was comfortably saved by Raya.
The Parisian fans didn’t have to wait long for another goal, as substitute Ousmane Dembélé combined with Achraf Hakimi just two minutes later. The Moroccan full-back unleashed a powerful strike into the left corner to make it 2-0 (72’).
Arsenal pulled one back through Bukayo Saka, who tapped in from close range after a Leandro Trossard cross deflected off defender Lyan Batschouai (76’). But despite a late push, the Gunners couldn’t find an equalizer, bowing out of Europe’s elite competition.
Having secured a 1-0 first-leg win at the Emirates, PSG ended a five-match winless streak against Arsenal while continuing their dominance over English clubs this season, having already eliminated Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa.
For Arsenal, the defeat extends their struggles on French soil, marking their third consecutive loss in France after previous defeats to Rennes (2019) and Lens (2023). Meanwhile, PSG maintained their perfect home record in this season’s Champions League.
PSG will now await the winner of the other semifinal as they aim to lift their first-ever Champions League trophy. Manager Luis Enrique praised his team’s resilience, while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta rued missed opportunities but acknowledged his side’s progress in Europe.
With a historic final on the horizon, PSG’s quest for European glory remains alive, while Arsenal’s dream run comes to an end after a valiant effort.
PSG Overcome Arsenal to Reach Champions League Final After 2-1 Victory
