PSG were no match for Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final and progressed to the semi-finals with a 2-1 win at the Parc des Princes, securing their place in the final against Inter Milan. The showdown will be played on May 31 at the Allianz Arena and promises to be another historic match.
Mikel Arteta's side started the match with absurd intensity and had several chances to open the scoring through shots from Gabriel Martinelli and Odegaard, but Donnarumma responded greatly when called upon and made some spectacular saves to ensure PSG's peace of mind in the first half.
The French absorbed all the pressure and managed to stabilize themselves over time even without the presence of Dembélé, gradually taking the lead and pushing Arsenal's lines back. In his first shot on target, Fabián Ruiz took advantage of a scrap on the edge of the box and hit a sensational shot to make it 2-0 on aggregate.
In the second half, PSG tried to reduce their possession and manage the lead while Arsenal couldn't muster a quick reaction, seeming to feel the emotional blow of conceding a goal. It all got worse when the VAR (in a controversial intervention) called the referee to see the ball bounce off Lewis-Kelly's arm. The penalty was awarded, but Vitinha miscued it and Raya made a calm save.
But Arsenal didn't react and PSG held firm emotionally to get their second goal of the game and clinch qualification two minutes later. Hakimi outpaced his marker and stole the ball in the box to tap home the finish. Arsenal reduced the deficit with Bukayo Saka finally beating Donnarumma, but it wasn't enough to change the result.
Another year without a title for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
With the UEFA Champions League final gone, Arsenal will end another season without a title under Mikel Arteta. The work has shown progress compared to 2023/24, but it's still disappointing how the Gunners can't take center stage when they need to.