Parisian Dream Alive: PSG Reach Final After Arsenal Scare

Paris Saint-Germain are through to the UEFA Champions League final for just the second time in their history after surviving a relentless Arsenal onslaught to claim a 2-1 victory on the night and a 3-1 aggregate triumph at the Parc des Princes.

Carrying a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg in London, PSG knew the job was only half done — and that feeling intensified as Arsenal came flying out of the blocks. Declan Rice missed an early headed chance, and Gianluigi Donnarumma — in inspired form throughout the competition — made a string of world-class saves to keep the hosts ahead.

After weathering the storm, PSG struck first. Fabian Ruiz, who had impressed all tournament, capitalized on a loose ball following a free-kick, controlling on his chest before rifling a left-footed rocket past David Raya in the 27th minute to double the aggregate lead and settle home nerves.

But the drama was far from over.

Arsenal fought valiantly, knowing two goals would take them to extra-time. Bukayo Saka was at the heart of everything promising for the visitors, testing Donnarumma with a curling effort that the towering Italian tipped over with an acrobatic save.

A pivotal moment came in the 67th minute when PSG were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a handball by Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, Raya produced a superb save to deny Vitinha from the spot, keeping Arsenal’s hopes alive.

Moments later though, the tie was all but sealed. Ousmane Dembélé, fresh off the bench, combined with Achraf Hakimi, who coolly slotted home PSG’s second of the night in the 72nd minute to send the home crowd into delirium.

Arsenal, to their immense credit, refused to fold. Leandro Trossard’s determined play set up Bukayo Saka to scramble in a goal in the 76th minute, reigniting the contest. The young winger then missed a golden opportunity minutes later, volleying over an open goal that could have set up a nervy finale.

In the end, PSG’s defensive resilience and Donnarumma’s heroics proved too much. The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 aggregate success, sending Luis Enrique’s side to a historic final in Munich, where they will face Inter Milan themselves victors of a 13-goal thriller against Barcelona.

For Arsenal, it was a case of so near yet so far. Mikel Arteta’s men gave everything but were left to rue missed chances and one superhuman goalkeeper.

PSG march on.