By Olaitan Ibrahim
Paris Saint-Germain have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final after a commanding 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, sealing a 3-1 aggregate triumph.
First-half goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, coupled with a missed penalty and a stunning defensive effort, proved enough to end Arsenal’s European dream for the season despite a late consolation goal from Bukayo Saka.
The game opened at a frenetic pace. Declan Rice nearly put Arsenal ahead inside three minutes, rising to meet Jurrien Timber’s lofted pass but heading wide.
Martin Ødegaard also tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early on, but the Italian goalkeeper was equal to the task.
PSG responded with menace, and in the 17th minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rattled the post with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box.
Ten minutes later, the hosts found the breakthrough. A rebound fell kindly to Fabian Ruiz, who struck sweetly into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
Despite Arsenal’s spirited attempts to claw their way back—Saka forcing a superb save from Donnarumma in the 64th minute—PSG remained lethal on the counter. Moments later, Hakimi nearly doubled the lead but was denied by David Raya.
Controversy followed when Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box after a VAR review.
However, Vitinha’s tame penalty effort was comfortably saved by Raya, momentarily keeping Arsenal’s hopes alive.
But in the 72nd minute, PSG’s fluid passing cut through Arsenal’s defence, as Ousmane Dembélé released Hakimi, who coolly slotted home to double the lead.
Saka gave the Gunners a glimmer of hope with a close-range strike in the 76th minute, but it was too little, too late.
Arsenal pressed hard in the closing stages, but PSG’s defence held firm, with Raya again called upon to deny Dembélé a third.
The victory marks a significant milestone for PSG, who now return to the Champions League final seeking their first-ever European crown.