PSG Advances to Champions League Final with 2-1 Victory Over Arsenal
PSG Secures Spot in Champions League Final
Paris St Germain overcame an early challenge from Arsenal, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, which allowed them to advance with a 3-1 aggregate score.
Goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi were pivotal in this match, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made several crucial saves to thwart Arsenal's efforts.
Having previously lost to Bayern Munich in the final five years ago, PSG has evolved into a well-coordinated team under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique. They will face Inter Milan in the final on May 31 in Munich, following Inter's dramatic 7-6 victory over Barcelona in the other semi-final.
This upcoming final marks the first encounter between PSG and Inter in European competitions, and it will be the first Champions League final featuring an Italian and a French team since Olympique de Marseille triumphed over AC Milan in 1993.
Captain Marquinhos expressed his joy, stating, “It’s a very beautiful emotion. We’ve done a great job. The road was hard and slow, and we faced very difficult matches.” He noted that PSG has now eliminated three Premier League teams in succession, including Liverpool and Aston Villa.
“Now we have to make the most of it and prepare for the final in the best possible way. The path to the final is made, but it’s not over yet.” PSG initially faced pressure from Arsenal, with Donnarumma making several outstanding saves. However, Ruiz's powerful strike shifted the momentum, and Hakimi's goal in the second half effectively sealed the match.
Although Vitinha missed a penalty in the second half, PSG remained composed, and even after Bukayo Saka scored for Arsenal 14 minutes before the end, the outcome felt inevitable. Arsenal's attempts to equalize fell short, including a missed opportunity from Saka that went over the crossbar, preventing them from reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.