Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability on Wednesday as they overcame a persistent Arsenal side to secure a 2-1 victory, advancing to the Champions League final with a 3-1 aggregate win.
Despite being deprived of their usual ball dominance, PSG managed to rely on effective counter-attacks and the prowess of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to clinch the win.
This marks only the second time in the club's history that PSG has reached the final of Europe's top competition; they were runners-up five years ago. Remarkably, this achievement comes in the first season following Kylian Mbappé's departure to Real Madrid.
Rather than replacing Mbappé with another superstar, PSG embraced a different strategy. For over a decade, the club's owners have invested heavily in attracting big names like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, and Neymar. However, this season, under coach Luis Enrique, PSG has built a younger, more cohesive team that plays some of the best football in Europe.
Enrique expressed his satisfaction, saying, "Our goal from day one has been to work hard enough to make history, and that goal remains.
We aim to be the first to win the long-awaited trophy. This project has evolved since last year, and I feel very comfortable here as a coach, having the freedom and support from the president to build a team that improves every day."
PSG will face Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich, seeking their first Champions League title. PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi shared his confidence with CBS Sports:
"We believe in our coach and our young, hungry players. They fight for the team, they give everything for the jersey, that's what's most important, for the city and the club. There is one match left... we are not done yet."
The three-time European champions Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona with a 7-6 aggregate victory in what is considered one of the greatest semifinals in the history of the competition.
PSG, having previously eliminated Aston Villa and Liverpool, also overcame Arsenal after falling to Borussia Dortmund in last year's semifinal and Bayern Munich in the 2020 final.
The breakthrough in Wednesday's match came in the 27th minute with a set piece. After an Arsenal clearance, Fabian Ruiz unleashed a stunning half-volley to give PSG the lead.
Achraf Hakimi added a second with a precise finish in the 72nd minute. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka managed to pull one back for the Gunners. In the first leg, Arsenal struggled against PSG's midfield intensity, losing 1-0.
However, bolstered by Thomas Partey's return, Arsenal launched 61 attacks compared to PSG's 26 in the second leg.
Arsenal showed early promise in the match, with Declan Rice narrowly missing a header and Gabriel Martinelli's attempt saved by Donnarumma.
Despite their efforts on the flanks, Arsenal could not capitalize on their advantages. PSG awaited opportunities on the counterattack.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia almost broke through in the 17th minute with a curling shot that hit the post. Despite some opportunities from Arsenal's mistakes, such as a poor pass from William Saliba, PSG's Désiré Doué's shot was easily saved by Raya.
PSG's disciplined performance ultimately secured their place in the final, as they continue to chase their first Champions League triumph.
