- Ruiz and Hakimi Strike as PSG March Into UCL Final.
- Arsenal’s European Dreams Shattered in Paris Showdown.
- PSG Set Up Champions League Final Clash with Inter Milan.
Paris Saint-Germain have sealed their spot in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Arsenal in the second leg of their semi-final clash, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi ensured the French giants booked a date with Inter Milan in Munich on May 31, ending Arsenal’s dream of a second-ever Champions League final appearance.
Gunners Left Chasing Shadows
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Mikel Arteta’s side had come into the tie hoping to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit, but despite a spirited performance in Paris, they couldn’t find a way past a resilient PSG.
With only Premier League action left this season, Arsenal now focus on securing a third consecutive second-place finish.
A Fierce Contest at the Parc des Princes
The atmosphere inside the Parc des Princes was electric from kickoff.
Arsenal began on the front foot, determined to silence the home crowd.
Thomas Partey returned to midfield after missing the first leg due to suspension, and his presence helped the Gunners dominate the opening stages.
Declan Rice narrowly missed the target with a header, and Gianluigi Donnarumma came to PSG’s rescue with brilliant saves to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard early on.
PSG weathered the storm, then gradually found their rhythm.
In the 17th minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck the post after a slick setup by Désiré Doué.
Moments later, Doué missed a golden chance by shooting straight at David Raya following a defensive slip.
Ruiz Opens the Scoring with a Stunner
PSG broke the deadlock in the 27th minute.
After a free-kick was awarded for a foul by Rice on Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha’s delivery was cleared by Partey but only as far as Fabian Ruiz.
The Spanish midfielder controlled the ball calmly and smashed a left-footed shot into the net from the edge of the box, scoring his first-ever Champions League goal at a crucial moment.
Also Read: Dembele Silences Emirates as PSG Sink Arsenal in Champions League Semi-Final First Leg
Arsenal Fight Back But Fall Short
Barcola had an opportunity to double the lead moments later but failed to convert.
Arsenal still had hope after the break, but Donnarumma’s sharp reactions, particularly a fingertip save from Bukayo Saka in the 64th minute, kept PSG ahead.
PSG were then awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR review deemed that Myles Lewis-Skelly’s hand had brushed Hakimi’s shot.
Arteta was visibly livid on the sidelines, but justice seemed served when Raya dived left to save Vitinha’s spot-kick.
However, PSG did find a second goal in the 72nd minute.
Substitute Ousmane Dembélé, who was a doubt after a hamstring issue, provided the assist for Hakimi, who fired home to put the tie beyond reach.
Saka gave Arsenal a glimmer of hope by pulling one back from close range after a driving run by Leandro Trossard.
But the comeback wasn’t meant to be.
The young England winger then missed a glorious opportunity when he fired over from close range after a pinpoint cross from Riccardo Calafiori.
PSG March On, Arsenal Regroup
With that miss, Arsenal’s Champions League journey came to an end.
PSG celebrated their victory in front of a raucous home crowd, marking their first Champions League final appearance since 2020 and the first time fans were in the stadium for it.
The Parisian club, which has often faltered in big European moments, showed resilience and quality.
Now, they look ahead to a showdown with Inter Milan in Munich on May 31, aiming to finally lift the coveted European trophy.
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