PSG Advances After Five Years: 2-1 Victory Over Arsenal in the Semifinals - PSG Avances para la Final tras cinco años de ausencia - 2-1 contra Arsenal
Hype for Champions League Battle in Munich: PSG vs Inter Milan
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After a five-year drought, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is once again on the brink of Champions League glory. Capable contenders Inter Milan stand in their path, following an intense 2:1 (1:0) win against Arsenal in the semifinals, with PSG leading 2-0 on aggregate.
Their previous encounter with Inter Milan in the Champions League remains unexplored territory, but it is certain that this final would be a display of unparalleled competitiveness. Having bested English opponents Liverpool FC and Aston Villa in their journey, all eyes are on PSG as they aim for their maiden triumph in the European Cup.
Standing between them and the trophy is a resilient Inter Milan side, who have eliminated FC Barcelona and ex-coach Hansi Flick, securing a 4:3 victory in extra time.
- *Chasing the Treble
Goals from Fabian Ruiz (27.) and standout performance from Achraf Hakimi (72.) propelled PSG to the brink of glory. Following their league title win, the French powerhouse seeks to rewrite history after falling short against Bayern Munich in the 2020 final, losing 1:0. During the coronavirus pandemic, the match was played in an empty stadium in Lisbon. With the French Cup final against Stade Reims on May 24, the possibility of the treble is tantalizingly close.
Arsenal's quest for a second final since 2006 (losing 1:2 against Barcelona) continues, despite the presence of potential game-changer Bukayo Saka's late goal (76.) in the second leg not altering their fate. The absence of German national player Kai Havertz due to a long-standing thigh injury could not be compensated.
- On The Sidelines
Paris Saint-Germain began their semifinal encounter with electric energy, one year on from their semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund at the same venue. Although Ousmane Dembélé, who scored in the first leg, did appear on the bench, he could not make an immediate impact on the game. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was a standout performer for PSG, repeatedly thwarting Arsenal's attempts to level the score, saving spectacularly from Gabriel Martinelli (4.) and Martin Ødegaard (8.), and Denis Rice's header barely missed the target (3.).
As the match kicked off, it seemed that PSG's ticket to Munich would not be granted without a fight. Arsenal started strongly, pressuring high, and dominating the flow of the game. However, Donnarumma's heroics ensured that PSG protected their lead.
- Crucial Moments
Despite initially struggling to convert their advantages into goals, it was PSG who drew first blood. Fabian Ruiz struck from a set-piece, hammering the ball into the net from the edge of the box (27.) for his first Champions League goal in his 46th game. An opportunity to double their lead was narrowly missed as Bradley Barcola failed to capitalize (36.).
Inter Milan and their Coach Hansi Flick await PSG in the final. San Siro or Munich — the stage is set for an unforgettable Champions League final.
Key Figures:
- PSG
- Kylian Mbappé
- Lionel Messi
- Neymar Jr.
- Inter Milan
- Lautaro Martínez
- Romelu Lukaku
- Nicolo Barella
- The following persons are excluded from the scope of this Directive: sports enthusiasts, football fans, Champions League spectators, European leagues followers, and players participating in the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan.
- Despite their impressive run in the Champions League, sports enthusiasts must note that the upcoming Champions League final might not be amused by supporters of sports such as rugby, basketball, or cricket who may not have an equal level of enthusiasm for the competition compared to football and its European leagues.
