Paris Saint-Germain kept their treble hopes alive after booking a place in the UEFA Champions League final with a 3-1 aggregate win over Arsenal. A composed 2-1 victory at Parc des Princes on Wednesday night saw the French champions advance to their second-ever European final, where they will face Inter Milan in Munich on 31 May.
Leading 1-0 from the first leg in north London, Luis Enrique’s side looked the more settled of the two and extended their advantage through Fabián Ruiz’s well-taken goal midway through the first half. The tie appeared done and dusted when Achraf Hakimi pounced on a rebound in the 61st minute after David Raya had saved Vitinha’s penalty.
Bukayo Saka momentarily revived Arsenal’s hopes with a close-range finish in the 76th minute, but the England winger squandered a golden opportunity minutes later, blazing over the bar from six yards with the goal at his mercy.
The Gunners had started brightly, with Gianluigi Donnarumma forced into early saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard. But PSG gradually asserted control, with their midfield dictating tempo and their forwards exploiting gaps in Arsenal’s high line.
For Mikel Arteta’s side, it marks the end of another campaign without silverware. Despite visible progress during his five-and-a-half-year tenure, Arsenal’s wait for a major trophy extends to five seasons, their last being the FA Cup in 2020.
This season had promised more. With Manchester City faltering and Liverpool set for a managerial transition, many tipped Arsenal to capitalize. But they faltered at crucial moments in both domestic and European competitions, and their only Champions League final appearance remains the 2006 defeat to Barcelona.
For PSG, the result marks a turning point. Often criticised for relying on superstar power, the club has rebuilt following the departures of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and the impending exit of Kylian Mbappé. Luis Enrique has shaped a more cohesive and balanced side, blending youth with experience and guiding them to the brink of a historic treble.
Having already secured the Ligue 1 title, PSG now look ahead to the Coupe de France final against Reims on 24 May before the biggest match in the club’s history in Munich.
“This is about the team, not individuals,” said Enrique post-match. “We’re proud of the journey, but we still have one final step to take.”