Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their place in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final, defeating Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate in a thrilling semi-final tie. The second leg, played at the Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025, ended with a 2-1 victory for PSG, confirming their spot against Inter Milan in the final set for May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The first leg, hosted at the Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025, saw PSG take a slender lead. Ousmane Dembélé scored a superb fourth-minute goal, capitalizing on a fluid move involving 26 passes, the most in a single buildup for a PSG goal in the competition. Arsenal struggled to match PSG’s early intensity, managing only 24% possession in the first 20 minutes.
Despite a disallowed goal from Mikel Merino and fine saves from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Arsenal couldn’t equalize, leaving them with a 1-0 deficit heading into the second leg.
Arsenal entered the Parc des Princes needing at least one goal to level the tie, and they started aggressively, putting PSG under immediate pressure. However, Donnarumma proved to be the difference-maker, making exceptional saves to deny Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka early on.
In the 26th minute, PSG struck against the run of play. Vitinha’s precise free kick led to a loose ball after a weak clearance by Thomas Partey. Fabián Ruiz seized the opportunity, controlling the ball and firing a deflected left-footed strike past David Raya, making it 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate.
In the 66th minute, PSG were awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR review deemed Myles Lewis-Skelly’s outstretched arm had blocked a shot from Achraf Hakimi. Vitinha stepped up, but Raya redeemed Arsenal with a crucial save, keeping their hopes alive.
Moments later, in the 72nd minute, PSG capitalized on Arsenal’s defensive lapses. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sparked a counterattack after a mistake by Jakub Kiwior, and Hakimi finished with a curling effort into the bottom corner, restoring PSG’s two-goal aggregate lead at 3-0.
Arsenal refused to go quietly. In the 80th minute, Bukayo Saka scored a vital goal, pouncing on a loose ball after Leandro Trossard dispossessed Marquinhos. The goal made it 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, reigniting Arsenal’s faint hopes.
However, a golden opportunity was squandered when Saka skied a close-range shot from Riccardo Calafiori’s cross, with Donnarumma stranded.
Despite Arsenal’s late pressure, PSG’s defense, anchored by Donnarumma’s heroics, held firm. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Parisian crowd, with players and fans united in their joy.
PSG’s campaign has been marked by victories over Premier League giants, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and now Arsenal. Their attacking flair, led by Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué, combined with a robust midfield of Vitinha, João Neves, and Ruiz, has made them a formidable force. Donnarumma’s performances have been a backbone, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Arsenal’s run to the semi-finals, their first since 2009, included a stunning 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid. Despite the defeat, their campaign showcased significant progress under Arteta, with a young squad proving they can compete at the highest level. However, the absence of a natural striker and defensive injuries highlighted areas for improvement.
PSG will face Inter Milan in the final, a matchup promising a clash of styles between Enrique’s dynamic side and Inter’s disciplined unit. For Arsenal, the focus shifts to the Premier League, with a challenging match against Liverpool looming on May 11. The Gunners will aim to build on their European experience to end their trophy drought.
This semi-final tie underscored PSG’s growing maturity in Europe and Arsenal’s potential, with Donnarumma’s heroics and clinical moments from Ruiz and Hakimi proving decisive. The Parc des Princes erupted in celebration, and PSG now stand one step away from their first Champions League title.
