Paris Saint-Germain is in the Champions League final for just the second time in their history. They defeated Arsenal 2–1 on the night and 3–1 on aggregate, thanks to a brilliant strike from Fabian Ruiz, a fatal error punished by Achraf Hakimi, and a truly elite performance from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Donnarumma stands tall as Arsenal start strong
Arsenal came into the Parc des Princes needing goals, and they nearly found them in a frenetic opening 20 minutes. Martinelli, Rice, and Odegaard were all denied by Donnarumma, who saved the Gunners’ best efforts and calmed PSG nerves.
The pressure continued through Partey’s long throws, Timber’s crosses, and Bukayo Saka‘s runs. Arsenal racked up 17 open-play crosses in the first half — more than in any Champions League match this season — but there was no breakthrough.
Then, a gut punch. In the 27th minute, Fabian Ruiz volleyed in a loose ball following a Rice foul and clearance. A half-chance, taken with full conviction. 1–0 on the night, 2–0 on aggregate. PSG led against the run of play.
Penalty twist, Hakimi strikes, Saka responds
In the second half, Arsenal pushed and PSG countered. In the 67th minute, a handball from Myles Lewis-Skelly gifted PSG a penalty. Vitinha stepped up and missed. Raya guessed right, saving a tame effort.
But Arsenal could not build on that lifeline. Moments later, Thomas Partey lost the ball with a risky turn inside his own box. Hakimi pounced. A quick pass from Dembele, a curled finish from the full-back — 2–0. Parc des Princes erupted.
Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a glimmer of hope with a 76th-minute rebound, but his night will be remembered for the 80th, when he missed an open goal after Donnarumma failed to gather a low cross. It was the moment. And it slipped away.
Final bound
PSG, whose only other UCL final came in 2020, now face Inter Milan — a first-time matchup in the competition’s history. Arsenal, meanwhile, end their season ruing missed chances in four consecutive semifinal blanks across all competitions.
Donnarumma, Ruiz, Hakimi and one Saka miss defined this tie.
