Arsenal’s European Dream Crushed as PSG Book Final Spot Against Inter

Arsenal’s hopes of a historic Champions League final appearance were dashed in Paris, as Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi fired Paris Saint-Germain to a 2-1 victory on the night — sealing a 3-1 aggregate win to set up a mouthwatering final against Inter Milan.

Nineteen years after their only Champions League final appearance, and needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit, Mikel Arteta’s side came out with intent. Within minutes, Declan Rice rose to meet a Jurrien Timber cross but headed just over, triggering a relentless opening spell that saw Gianluigi Donnarumma called into action to deny Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Yet despite Arsenal’s early dominance, PSG reminded everyone of their threat. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rattled the post on a rare counter, and minutes later, a free-kick after Rice’s foul on the Georgian forward saw the hosts draw first blood.

A defensive lapse proved costly when Thomas Partey’s weak clearance was pounced on by Fabian Ruiz, who chested down and struck from the edge of the box. A wicked deflection off William Saliba wrong-footed David Raya to give PSG the opener.

Controversy followed in the second half. Hakimi’s shot struck the hand of young Myles Lewis-Skelly. There were few appeals, but after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Vitinha stepped up but saw his tame effort brilliantly saved by Raya — a moment that briefly breathed life into Arsenal’s hopes.

But PSG would not be denied for long. Moments later, Hakimi produced a superb curling finish to double their lead on the night and effectively kill the tie.

Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners a glimmer of hope, rounding Donnarumma to score after the Italian had earlier denied him with a superb save. Arsenal pressed for an equaliser, with Ødegaard forcing another world-class stop from Donnarumma — labelled one of the saves of the competition by pundit Jay Bothroyd.

Saka then squandered a golden chance to level the tie when he lifted a close-range effort over the bar, summing up Arsenal’s frustrating night in front of goal.

For PSG, the victory keeps their treble hopes alive, with Ligue 1 already secured and a French Cup final still to come. For Arsenal, it’s the end of their trophy hopes this season, leaving them without silverware since Arteta’s FA Cup triumph in 2020.

What the Managers Said

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal boss)
Speaking to TNT Sports, a proud but disappointed Arteta reflected:

"Over the two legs, the best player was their goalkeeper. We were so close, much closer than the scorelines suggest. After 20 minutes, we should’ve been 3-0 up. It hurts because it has to hurt — if we want to win this competition, these are the margins. But the boys deserve massive credit for what they’ve done despite so many injuries. This gives me optimism for the future."

Luis Enrique (PSG manager)
Clearly revelling in his side’s achievement — and poking fun at Ligue 1’s often-dismissed reputation — Enrique told TNT Sports:

"It means a lot to reach the final. Our dream was to make history in Paris, and we’re on the right track. We are the ‘league of farmers,’ no? But now everyone is speaking about our young team, our mentality, our style. I have to congratulate my players — they’re incredible."

Up Next:
PSG head to the Champions League final against Inter Milan, while Arsenal must regroup ahead of their domestic run-in, with Arteta’s attention turning toward securing a strong finish in the Premier League.

Final Aggregate: PSG 3-1 Arsenal.

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