PSG Defeats Arsenal to Reach UCL Final for the First Time in 5 Years

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a 2-1 victory over Arsenal, advancing to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final for the first time in five years.

In the second leg of the 2024-2025 UCL semifinals held at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, PSG overcame Arsenal with a first-half goal from Fabian Ruiz in the 27th minute and a decisive goal from Achraf Hakimi in the 72nd minute.

PSG had previously won the first leg 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ousmane Dembélé, resulting in an aggregate score of 3-1 and confirming their place in the final.

This marks PSG's return to the UCL final after five years since the 2019-2020 season and their second appearance overall, as they aim for their first championship in the tournament.

In the previous final, PSG finished as runners-up after a 0-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. They will now face Inter Milan on June 1 at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, vying for the title.

PSG Takes Command of the Match, Secures Victory with Goals from Ruiz and Hakimi

In the early minutes, Arsenal launched an aggressive attack to rectify their first-leg defeat. Gabriel Martinelli’s shot in the 4th minute and Martin Ødegaard's attempt in the 8th minute were denied by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's exceptional saves.

However, PSG effectively countered Arsenal's attacks and created crucial opportunities of their own.

In the 17th minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's shot hit the crossbar, leading to PSG's opening goal in the 27th minute with Ruiz's stunning volley. After Arsenal's defense cleared a free kick from Vitinha, Ruiz trapped the ball on his chest at the penalty arc and finished with a left-footed volley.

Despite Arsenal's efforts to rally in the second half, PSG executed more efficient attacks.

In the 69th minute, Hakimi's penalty kick was thwarted by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Nevertheless, three minutes later, Hakimi scored the decisive goal following a connection play with Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé.

Arsenal managed to reduce the deficit with a goal from Bukayo Saka in the 73rd minute, but failed to score again.

Lee Kang-in Watches PSA Victory from the Bench

Meanwhile, PSG's South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in did not get the opportunity to play in this match.

Lee sustained a mild contusion to his left shin during a Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on the 4th; however, it was not considered a serious injury, and he was included in the substitute list. Like the first leg of the semifinals, he ultimately did not step onto the pitch.

Image source: gettyimageskorea