Paris Saint-Germain displayed grit and tactical flexibility to overcome a spirited Arsenal side 2-1 on Wednesday night, securing a place in the UEFA Champions League final with a 3-1 aggregate win.
Used to dominating possession, PSG looked second-best in the opening stages at Parc des Princes, but adjusted their approach to exploit counterattacking opportunities — and leaned on the brilliance of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to hold firm.
“We were better than them, that’s what their bench admitted right after the match,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in a post-match interview with TNT Sports. “Over both legs, their goalkeeper was the standout player — he made the difference.”
Arteta lamented missed chances and felt the Gunners should have been comfortably ahead early in the game. “After 20 minutes, it could’ve been 3-0. That we’re not in the final hurts — it has to.”
PSG, who lost in the 2020 final and were eliminated by Borussia Dortmund at this stage last season, now advance to their second final in five years. They’ll meet Inter Milan on May 31, after the Italian giants edged Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in a thrilling semi-final showdown.
The French champions took the lead in the 27th minute when a cleared free-kick fell to Fabian Ruiz, who lashed home a stunning half-volley from the edge of the box. Achraf Hakimi added a second in the 72nd minute, curling a precise effort past David Raya.
Arsenal responded quickly, with Bukayo Saka scoring to give the Gunners hope. But the England international then missed a golden opportunity to equalize, firing wide with the goal at his mercy.
PSG had a chance to extend their lead earlier in the second half when they were awarded a controversial penalty via VAR — Myles Lewis-Skelly’s hand was grazed by Hakimi’s shot. However, Vitinha’s spot-kick was denied by Raya, keeping Arsenal in the contest.
Reflecting on the defeat, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said, “We could’ve scored three or four more over the two legs. But setbacks like this help you grow. We’re on the right path. This won’t define us — we’ll come back stronger.”
