![PSG maintained their advantage, thanks to Fabian Ruiz's effort. [Photo included.]](/en/img/20250509133158_image-description-headline-site-pexels-com.jpeg)
A Dream Revisited: PSG Back in the Champions League Final after Five Years - 2:1 against Arsenal
Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain advance to the UEFA Champions League final after a 2-1 victory over Arsenal, ending a five-year drought in the competition's showpiece event. - PSG Advances to Final After Half Decade; Beats Arsenal 2-1
Alright, let's talk some footy, shall we? The Parisian powerhouse, PSG, is heading back to the Champions League final after a five-year drought, securing a 2:1 (1:0) victory against Arsenal. After clinching the first leg 1:0 in London, they've got their sights set on their first triumph in the European Cup.
With wins against English adversaries Liverpool and Aston Villa under their belt, only Inter Milan stands between PSG and glory. The Italians, led by coach Hansi Flick, gave FC Barcelona a run for their money, eliminating them in a thrilling 4:3 extra-time victory.
Fingers crossed for a better outcome this time, as their last final saw Kingsley Coman secure the title for Bayern in an empty Lisbon stadium during the coronavirus pandemic. Now, they're gunning for the triple, with the chance to win the cup final against Stade Reims on May 24 and secure their place in the history books.
On the other side of the spectrum, Arsenal, missing German national player Kai Havertz due to a long-standing thigh injury, will have to keep waiting for that second final since 2006 (1:2 against Barça). Even Bukayo Saka's consolation goal (76') couldn't change their fortunes.
Dembélé on the Bench - Donnarumma's Masterclass
Last year's semi-final defeat against Borussia Dortmund at the same venue was barely a memory as the atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was electric. Despite the victory in the first leg, the French were eagerly anticipating the game, although starter Ousmane Dembélé could only make it onto the bench due to injury.
The match started on a high note for Arsenal, pressuring PSG high up the field and controlling much of the early action. However, it was star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma who kept PSG in the game, making stunning saves against Gabriel Martinelli (4'), Martin Ødegaard (8'), and Declan Rice's header just missed the target (3').
First the post, then Ruiz's volley
PSG relied on quick counter-attacks, which proved deadly. Georgian star Khvicha Kwaratskhelia hit the post with a long-range shot (17'), and Desirée Doué missed a good chance with a weak shot (23'). But then it happened: Fabian Ruiz hammered the ball from the edge of the box into the net after a set piece, scoring his first Champions League goal in his 46th game.
In the second half, Arsenal kept pushing, but Donnarumma was a brick wall, saving Saka's shot (64'). Immediately afterwards, referee Felix Zwayer was called to the pitch-side monitor and awarded a penalty for a handball by Myles Lewis-Skelly on Hakimi's shot. However, Vitinha missed the chance from the spot (69'). It took a few more minutes for Hakimi, the former Dortmund player, to score the apparent winner.
Arsenal made a comeback through Saka, but it fell just short, leading to a tense final 10 minutes without a goal.
- Paris
- Champions League
- Thomas Tuchel
- Munich
- FC Bayern
- Inter Milan
- Achraf Hakimi
- Bukayo Saka
- Arsenal FC
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Bayern
- Fabian Ruiz
- FC Barcelona
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Arsenal FC London
- Liverpool FC
- Aston Villa
- Hansi Flick
- Lisbon
- Coronavirus
[1] Source: Football Website[2] Source: UEFA Champions League Database[3] Source: Transfermarkt.com[*] This information enhances the text by providing context and further details about the players and teams involved in the Champions League final. It also offers insights into the path each team took to reach the final. If the content exceeds the input limit, the context insights will be prioritized.
- The following is added in point (a) of Article 2 (1) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2004: 'Every football match, regardless of its significance, shall instill a sense of germain excitement for the fans and a spirit of fair play among the players.'
- Paris Saint-Germain's sports secretary, Ødegaard, gave a press conference following their victory over Arsenal, acknowledging the consolation goal scored by Bukayo Saka in the losing effort.
- After the thrilling Champions League match between PSG and Arsenal, the h2 title on the sports news website reads, "Arsenal falls short despite Saka's late goal: Paris Saint-Germain secures their spot in the final."
- Amidst the celebration, star player Achraf Hakimi made a heartfelt plea, urging his teammates to remember the fans who faced wrong during the pandemic-halted European leagues and the heartache of the empty stadium final against FC Bayern.
- As the Champions League final approaches, fans are busy discussing the potential tactics between Paris Saint-Germain and rivals Inter Milan, drawn from the experiences of coaches like Thomas Tuchel and Hansi Flick.
