Paris Saint-Germain excelled in defeating Arsenal with a 3-1 aggregate score after two 2024/2025 Champions League semi-finals, earning tickets to the final at the Allianz Arena, Munich, on May 31, 2025, where they will face Inter Milan. The return leg at the PARC des Princes on the evening of May 7, 2025, was PSG’s peak performance, despite the confidence of manager Mikel Arteta, who declared Arsenal the strongest team in Europe despite the loss.
In the first leg on April 29, 2025, at the Emirates, PSG won 1-0 thanks to Ousmane Dembélé’s opening goal in the 4th minute, capitalizing on the Arsenal midfielder’s mistake by leaving Dembélé free in the court. According to ESPN, PSG controlled 75% of the possession in the first 15 minutes, which left Arsenal stunned. However, Arsenal created 1.65 expected goals (XG) compared to PSG’s 1.14, with missed opportunities from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, and Mikel Merino’s goal disallowed due to VAR testing. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma excelled with 5 saves, while Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos missed chances to extend PSG’s lead.
The return leg in Paris saw PSG continue their run. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a dangerous volley after a deceptive Martinelli, the ball hit William Saliba and changed direction, forcing David Raya to withdraw. Achraf Hakimi secured a 2-1 win in 72 minutes, making the aggregate score 3-0. Bukayo Saka pulled a goal back for Arsenal in the 80th minute, but just four minutes later, he missed a golden opportunity when he shot off the bar from 6 meters, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback. According to the Athletic, Arsenal created 3.14 xg and 19 shots, the highest before PSG this season, but the ineffectiveness of the finishing phase made them pay.
After the match, Arteta remained confident, listing five reasons why PSG were lucky: first, the first goals in the first leg came from Arsenal’s own mistakes; second, Merino’s goal was ruled out due to a controversial offside; third, Donnarumma had a fantastic day; fourth, PSG’s attack missed numerous opportunities, helping Arsenal avoid losing more; and fifth, Thomas Partey’s absence in the first leg disrupted the midfielder’s nerves. However, Luis Enrique refused, emphasizing that PSG controlled the game and deserved to continue, according to The Guardian.
Fans on X, like @psg_inside, praised the brilliance of Hakimi and Ruiz, while @idgoonerscom criticized Martinelli and the Arsenal midfield. PSG, with the explosion of Dembélé (8 goals, 11 assists in the Champions League), and the midfield trio of Vitinha, Neves, and Ruiz, is becoming a strong contender for the championship. Meanwhile, Arsenal, despite the setback, showed their potential with a resilient performance, promising to come back strongly next season. The PSG vs. Inter Milan final promises to be the forefront of the battle, as both teams vie for the Silver Trophy for the first time.
