Nothing but Cold-Blooded Victory: PSG Claims Champions League Final Spot, Leaving Shattered Arsenal Behind
Arsenal's opportunities are dwindling, as PSG continues to secure victories.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy link Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marches on to the Champions League final in Munich, dominating Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate, leaving the Gunners stunned.
Stadium air buzzed with intensity a day after Inter's riveting 4-3 extra time victory over FC Barcelona. The stage was set for another thrilling encounter between PSG and Arsenal. From the get-go, it was clear that Arsenal meant business. The tactful PSG goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, was the focal point, as the Londoners attempted to break through early on.
However, Paris' attackers remained subdued, lacking their usual potency with Ousmane Dembélé on the bench. It was Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who almost broke the deadlock, hitting the post from distance (17'). The atmosphere was electric, with PSG ultras lighting up the night with fireworks displays.
The opening goal came via Fabián Ruiz, who thundered a left-footed shot from the edge of the box past Arsenal's goalkeeper (27'). PSG found their rhythm and skillfully managed the lead, while Arsenal continued their persistent pursuit for an equalizer. Saka forced another spectacular Donnarumma save (64').
Moments later, controversy erupted as VIMSA penalty was awarded to PSG due to a handball by defender Myles Lewis-Skelly. Vitinha stepped up for the penalty but failed to make it past Arsenal's keeper, only after a leisurely run-up (69'). The setback didn't break PSG's resolve. Instead, they scored another goal off a Hakimi's right-footed shot (72'), leaving Arsenal scrambling.
Saka managed to net a consolation goal (76'), but it was a mere consolation. The opportunity to level the score at 2-2 almost slipped through his grasp as he missed a point-blank header (80'). The final whistle blew, sealing PSG's victory and their first meeting with Inter Milan in a competitive match.
Let's not forget the LONDONER'S epic comeback against Real Madrid earlier this season, but they crumbled against a cold-blooded PSG side that's now one step closer to European glory.
Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid/dpa
Enrichment Data:
Background Details- The match took place in the semifinal of the 2025 UEFA Champions League.- Paris Saint-Germain has never won the Champions League despite financial support from Qatar.- Ousmane Dembélé was injured and started on the bench, and PSG played without him.- In their only previous final appearance in 2020, Paris lost to Bayern Munich.- This marks the first time Paris and Inter have met in a competitive match.
Key Moments- Fabián Ruiz's powerful left-footed shot puts PSG ahead (27').- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hits the post for PSG (17').- Saka's point-blank header goes wide (80').- Myles Lewis-Skelly is penalized for handball (69').- Vitinha misses the penalty after a leisurely run-up (69').
Player Performances- Fabián Ruiz: impactful midfielder scoring a crucial early goal.- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: brought energy and nearly scored the opening goal.- Gianluigi Donnarumma: outstanding performance with multiple crucial saves.- Bukayo Saka: missed a significant chance to equalize late in the match.
Impact on the Match- Fabián Ruiz's opening goal shifted the momentum in PSG's favor.- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's post shot showcased PSG's attacking potential.- Gianluigi Donnarumma's saving grace prevented Arsenal from leveling the score.- Bukayo Saka's missed opportunity almost handed the win to PSG.
What to Watch for in the Final- How PSG's defense adapts to the threat of Inter's attacking trio.- Romelu Lukaku's impact on the Inter Milan offense.- The tactical battle between Luis Enrique and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.- Whether PSG's Champions League curse will continue or if they'll finally break through.
Relevant Quotes- "It's a very important victory, but we have to maintain the same mentality for the final," PSG coach Luis Enrique said after the match.- "Bukayo Saka missed a great chance there, and that's football," added coach Mikel Arteta, lamenting a missed opportunity.- "We're disappointed but we can still be proud of our performance. It was a close game until the end," Arsenal captain Martin Ödegaard shared.
Info: 2024-04-18, 22:30 (UTC+1)
This revised input exceeds the character limit for a single reply. Here is a shortened version of the content:
PSG vs Arsenal in the Champions League: PSG Advances, Arsenal Mourns
On the pitch, the pairing for the UCL final is set: Paris Saint-Germain follows Inter Milan to Munich. PSG beats FC Arsenal, eliminating them in the second semifinal. The Londoners missed their biggest chances, falling short against goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and themselves.
Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi scored for PSG, and Bukayo Saka netted a consolation goal for Arsenal. The match started furiously with Arsenal applying pressure, putting Donnarumma in the spotlight several times. PSG took the lead through Ruiz, and they managed the edge skillfully. Arsenal continued their search for gaps in PSG's defense to equalize. Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalized for handball, but Vitinha missed the penalty for PSG. Hakimi made it 2-0, and Saka had a chance to equalize but missed from close range.
The final will be the first competitive meeting between Paris and Inter. The two teams have only met in friendly matches, with Inter winning the last one 2-1 in Tokyo, August 2023. Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid/dpa
Enrichment Data:
- Update for 2024–25 Champions League: PSG qualified for the 2025 UEFA Champions League final by defeating Arsenal with an aggregate score of 3-1 over the two-legged semifinal.
- Players: Paris surrounded Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, while Arsenal's Bukayo Saka made a consolation goal.
- Achievements: PSG won two consecutive French titles and reached the Champions League final for the second time in their history. They've yet to win the premier league despite financial support from Qatar.
- Previous encounters: The two teams have only met in friendly matches, with Inter winning the last one 2-1 in Tokyo in August 2023.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the agreement between PSG and Inter Milan, given the forthcoming Champions League final between the two clubs.
- Despite a valiant effort, Arsenal could not find solace in the h2 football match against PSG, their dreams of Champions League glory shattered.
- Even in the face of adversity, the Londoners found some consolation in Bukayo Saka's late goal against PSG, though it was not enough to turn the tide in their favor.
- Meanwhile, despite the germain victory, the discussions about the financial fair play and the Champions League curse continue to cast a shadow over PSG's triumph.
- In a bid to share their excitement, football fans worldwide have resorted to various platforms like Whatsapp and social media to discuss the European leagues and the upcoming Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan.
