Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) in Wednesday\'s Champions League semifinal second leg to book their place in the final against Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich.
Goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi secured victory for PSG, who withstood an early Arsenal onslaught before taking control. Bukayo Saka scored a late consolation for the Gunners, who outperformed PSG in expected goals (2.80 to 1.91).
PSG Returns To Champions League Final
Five years after losing to Bayern Munich in their previous final appearance, PSG have been transformed under coach Luis Enrique into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
Gianluigi Donnarumma proved crucial early in the match, making several spectacular saves as Arsenal started strongly. The Italian goalkeeper\'s heroics included a sprawling save to deny Martin Odegaard\'s goal-bound half-volley.
\"We\'re in the final, we\'re in the final,\" PSG supporters chanted as their team displayed remarkable composure throughout the contest.
Ruiz broke the deadlock in the 27th minute against the run of play, capitalizing on Thomas Partey\'s defensive error to score his first Champions League goal in 46 appearances. The Spaniard\'s exquisite touch and powerful finish gave Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya no chance.
Hakimi secured the victory in the 72nd minute with a well-placed shot following a one-two with substitute Ousmane Dembele, effectively ending Arsenal\'s hopes despite Saka\'s consolation goal four minutes later.
Arsenal pushed for a comeback but missed critical opportunities, including Saka blazing over the crossbar from a promising position late in the match. The defeat means the Gunners fall short of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.
PSG will face Inter Milan, who eliminated Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in the other semifinal.
Via ESPN