Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) booked their ticket to the 2025 UEFA Champions League final after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the semifinal second leg at Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025. The win sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph, ending Arsenal’s dream of a first Champions League final appearance in nearly two decades and setting up a showdown with Inter Milan in Munich on May 31.

Arsenal’s Missed Chances Haunt Early Dominance

Arsenal started with intent, pressing high and creating early opportunities. Gabriel Martinelli forced a sharp save from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 12th minute, while Martin Ødegaard’s curling effort rattled the crossbar moments later. The Gunners’ wastefulness in front of goal proved costly, however, as PSG grew into the game. Donnarumma’s heroics—including a stunning one-handed stop to deny Kai Havertz—kept the visitors at bay, foreshadowing a night of frustration for Mikel Arteta’s side.

PSG Strikes Twice: Ruiz and Hakimi Deliver

Against the run of play, PSG struck first in the 27th minute. Fabián Ruiz capitalized on a defensive lapse, driving a left-footed rocket from the edge of the box into the top corner, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya rooted. The hosts then doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Achraf Hakimi cut inside and fired a clinical low shot into the far corner, sending the Parc des Princes into pandemonium.

Raya’s Penalty Save Sparks Brief Hope

Arsenal’s resilience flickered in the 69th minute when Raya guessed correctly to deny Vitinha’s penalty—awarded after William Saliba’s handball. The save briefly reignited hopes of a comeback, but Hakimi’s goal minutes later dashed them. Bukayo Saka injected late drama with a composed finish in the 76th minute, slotting past Donnarumma after a clever through-ball from Ødegaard. Despite a frantic final push, Arsenal couldn’t find the equalizer, with Donnarumma tipping Declan Rice’s stoppage-time header over the bar to seal PSG’s progression.

Road to Munich: PSG’s Quest for European Glory

PSG’s victory sets up a tantalizing final against Inter Milan, who edged Bayern Munich in the other semifinal. For PSG, this marks their first UCL final since 2020, with Kylian Mbappé—relatively quiet on the night—poised to lead their charge for a maiden title. Manager Luis Enrique praised his team’s composure: “We suffered, but this squad has the heart of champions.”

Arsenal’s Agonizing Exit

For Arsenal, the defeat is a bitter pill. Their last Champions League final came in 2006, and despite a valiant campaign, familiar flaws—profligate finishing and defensive lapses—resurfaced. Arteta admitted, “We had the chances, but at this level, you must take them.” The Gunners now shift focus to their Premier League title race, trailing leaders Manchester City by two points with three games left.

Final Showdown: PSG vs. Inter Milan

The stage is set for an epic final in Munich. Inter, under Simone Inzaghi, boast a rock-solid defense and the attacking flair of Lautaro Martínez. PSG, meanwhile, will rely on Mbappé’s explosiveness and Hakimi’s marauding runs. Tactically, it’s a clash of styles: Inter’s disciplined 3-5-2 versus PSG’s fluid 4-3-3.

Key Takeaways

• PSG’s Depth Shines: Even with Mbappé muted, Ruiz and Hakimi stepped up.

• Arsenal’s Growing Pains: Arteta’s young squad showed promise but lacked ruthlessness.

• Goalkeeping Masterclass: Donnarumma (8 saves) and Raya (penalty stop) were standout performers.

As PSG prepares for Munich, the football world awaits a final brimming with narrative—a chance for PSG to make history or for Inter to reclaim European glory after 15 years. For Arsenal, the quest continues.