PSG defeat Arsenal to reach Champions League final

Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Parc des Princes, sealing a 3-1 win on aggregate. The French side will now face Inter Milan in the final in Munich, as fireworks lit up the Paris sky following the full-time whistle.

After a bright start from Arsenal, it was PSG who drew first blood through Fabián Ruiz in the 27th minute, capitalizing on the home side’s growing control of the game. Despite Arsenal’s early pressure, the Gunners failed to take advantage of their chances and went into halftime trailing 1-0.

The second half saw Arsenal push forward, but it was PSG who struck again in the 72nd minute. Achraf Hakimi doubled the lead after a clever assist from Ousmane Dembélé, effectively putting the tie beyond Arsenal’s reach. Although Bukayo Saka pulled one back just four minutes later, the visitors couldn’t close the gap further.

Arsenal created several key opportunities, including a golden chance missed by Saka late in the game. With 16 shots and a higher xG (2.94) than PSG (1.72), Mikel Arteta’s side will be left ruing their lack of clinical finishing, a recurring issue highlighted by pundits and fans alike.

Former players and commentators noted PSG’s transformation from their rocky early-season form, when they finished 15th in the league phase, to becoming serious contenders. Matthew Upson emphasized the French side’s evolution into a formidable unit, while Nedum Onuoha observed how both teams’ substitutions failed to shift the game’s momentum significantly.

Ultimately, PSG’s efficiency in front of goal and Arsenal’s inability to convert key chances proved decisive. As PSG prepare for a showdown with Inter Milan, Arsenal’s wait for Champions League success continues, with questions once again being asked about the need for a reliable striker and a sharper edge in decisive matches.