Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Champions League final with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Arsenal, powered by Fabian Ruiz’s first-half volley and Achraf Hakimi’s second-half finish.
Despite Bukayo Saka’s late goal, Arsenal’s failure to convert golden chances proved decisive, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side empty-handed.
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Donnarumma’s heroics deny Arsenal
Arsenal launched a blistering attack at Parc des Princes, with Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard squandering three clear chances within the opening 10 minutes.
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s reflex saves denied Martinelli and Ødegaard, preserving PSG’s aggregate lead.
The Italian shot-stopper’s performance mirrored his heroics in previous rounds, where he’d already saved penalties against Liverpool and Aston Villa. His early interventions set the tone for PSG’s resilience.
Ruiz strikes In PSG vs Arsenal
PSG capitalized on Arsenal’s defensive lapse in the 27th minute. Thomas Partey’s headed clearance fell to Ruiz on the edge of the box, who unleashed a thunderous left-footed volley past David Raya.
The goal—a microcosm of PSG’s clinical counterattacks—doubled their aggregate advantage. Ruiz’s strike marked his first Champions League goal and underscored his growing influence in Luis Enrique’s midfield.
Hakimi extends lead
Luis Enrique’s tactical tweak paid dividends in the 68th minute. Substitute Ousmane Dembélé won the ball in midfield and threaded a pass to Hakimi, who drilled a low shot into the net.
The goal put PSG 3-1 up on aggregate, effectively ending the tie. Saka pulled one back moments later, but his late miss from six yards summed up Arsenal’s frustrating night.
Hakimi’s contribution—his fifth goal of the season—highlighted PSG’s ability to exploit transitions.
Tactical battles Of PSG vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s reliance on long throws and direct play unsettled PSG early, but PSG’s compact midfield, led by Ruiz and Vitinha, eventually stifled the Gunners.
PSG’s counterattacks, spearheaded by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola, exploited gaps in Arsenal’s high line.
Meanwhile, Donnarumma’s presence between the posts proved a psychological barrier, with his saves altering the match’s trajectory.
Player ratings
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PSG: Ruiz (8.5/10) and Hakimi (8.3/10) starred, while Donnarumma (8.1/10) was imperious in goal.
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Arsenal: Saka (7.8/10) and Raya (8.5/10) stood out, but defensive errors from Jakub Kiwior (6.2/10) and Myles Lewis-Skelly (5.5/10) proved costly.
📈Key Player Stats
|
Player |
Key Stats |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Gianluigi Donnarumma |
5 saves; 95% passing accuracy |
8.1/10 |
|
Fabian Ruiz |
1 goal; 4 tackles; 88% passing |
8.5/10 |
|
Achraf Hakimi |
1 goal; 3 key passes; 2 dribbles |
8.3/10 |
|
Bukayo Saka |
1 goal; 4 shots (2 on target); 1 big chance missed |
7.8/10 |
|
Gabriel Martinelli |
3 shots; 2 key passes; denied by Donnarumma’s save |
6.5/10 |
Post-match reactions
Arteta acknowledged his team’s heartbreak, revealing players wept in the dressing room: “They wanted it so badly… we created enough chances to win, but we didn’t take them”.
For PSG, the win keeps their treble hopes alive, with the Coupe de France final and Ligue 1 title still within reach.
They now face Inter in the Champions League final, aiming to become only the second French side to lift the trophy.
Also Read: Arsenal vs PSG: Can Arteta's Men Overturn 1-0 Deficit and Reach the Final?
