PSG Advances to Finals Once More: Edge Arsenal 2-1 in Semi-Finals Match - PSG Advances to Final After Five Years; Clinch 2-1 Victory Over Arsenal
Thrill Ride to the Champions League Final: PSG Secures Spot Against Inter Milan after a Nail-Biting 2:1 Victory Over Arsenal
Champagne Calm, Tense Anticipation
Five years following a disappointing loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final under Coach Thomas Tuchel, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is poised for redemption. The French juggernaut secured their slot in an exciting showdown against Inter Milan in Munich, having conquered Arsenal with a tense 2:1 (1:0) win in the second leg.
With Inter Milan eliminating FC Barcelona and coach Hansi Flick in a dramatic game on Tuesday, PSG stands a chance to score their very first victory in the European Cup. As they aim to outshine their 2020 loss to Bayern, they now have the added excitement of a potential treble on the line, with the league title already secured and a French Cup final against Stade Reims scheduled for May 24.
A Richly Deserved Victory for PSG
Goals from Fabian Ruiz (27.) and Achraf Hakimi (72.) propelled Paris towards the final. The team will be hoping to better their 2020 performance, having lost to Bayern Munich in an eerily quiet Lisbon stadium during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Luis Enrique's side raring to go, a treble is now within reach.
On the flip side, Arsenal, who missed out on German international Kai Havertz due to a long-standing thigh injury, must continue their wait for a second final since 2006 (1:2 against Barcelona). Bukayo Saka's consolation goal (76.) did little to change that.
Prince Charming to the Rescue
Exactly one year after their defeat to Borussia Dortmund at the same venue, the atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was electric. The French were anxious about the game, despite the injury that kept star player Ousmane Dembélé, who scored in the first leg, on the bench. He made an appearance in the second half.
Initially, Arsenal set the pace, pressing high and controlling the game rhythm. It was thanks to Gianluigi Donnarumma's outstanding performance, with saves against Gabriel Martinelli (4.) and Martin Ødegaard (8.), that PSG's lead remained intact. Declan Rice narrowly missed the target with a powerful header (3.).
PSG launched quick counterattacks, putting Arsenal on the back foot. Georgian sensation Chwischa Kvaratskhelia rattled the post with a long-range shot (17.), while Desireé Doué squandered a good chance with a weak finish (23.). Ruiz eventually opened the scoring with a thunderous volley from a set piece (27.). Bradley Barcola nearly put PSG ahead by more before the break, but he missed a one-on-one chance with David Raya (36.).
In the second half, Arsenal persisted in their pursuit, but Donnarumma once again rose to the occasion, saving Saka's shot (64.). A few minutes later, referee Felix Zwayer consulted VAR, awarding a penalty for a handball by Myles Lewis-Skelly on Hakimi's shot. However, Vitinha missed the penalty (69.). It was not until Hakimi scored what appeared to be the decisive goal (72.) that the tension seemed to ease.
Arsenal staged a comeback through Saka, and had Saka not squandered an empty goal shortly afterwards, the endgame promised to be thrilling (80.).
The Fabled City of Paris and Its Eternal Quests
ParisChampions LeagueThomas TuchelMunichFC BayernInter MilanAchraf HakimiBukayo SakaArsenal FCGianluigi DonnarummaBayernFabian RuizFC BarcelonaOusmane DembéléArsenal FC LondonLiverpool FCAston VillaHansi FlickLisbonCoronavirus
The following persons are excluded from the scope of this Directive: Thomas Tuchel, FC Bayern, Hansi Flick, Lisbon, Coronavirus. Despite the disappointing loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final under Coach Thomas Tuchel five years ago, Paris Saint-Germain, led by Achraf Hakimi, aims to outshine their 2020 performance. Bukayo Saka's consolation goal did little to change Arsenal's wait for a second final since 2006. Gianluigi Donnarumma had outstanding performances with saves against players such as Martin Ødegaard, preventing PSG's lead from being compromised.
