By Yusuf Mohammed
Arsenal’s Champions League dreams came to a bitter end once again, as they were eliminated in the semi-finals following a 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the second leg on Wednesday night.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at the Emirates, the Gunners traveled to Paris hoping to overturn the deficit and reach the final. Mikel Arteta’s side started brightly, showing intent and intensity against a PSG team widely regarded as Europe’s best this season.
Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard both came close early on, but PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a string of superb saves to keep the visitors at bay. The hosts then struck against the run of play in the 28th minute, as Fabian Ruiz capitalized on a rare opportunity to extend PSG’s aggregate lead to 2-0.
Arsenal’s task became even more daunting, needing two goals just to level the tie. Bukayo Saka nearly ignited a comeback in the second half, but his curling effort destined for the top corner was once again denied by Donnarumma, who delivered a match-winning performance.
Drama unfolded shortly after when VAR awarded PSG a penalty for a handball by Myles Lewis-Skelly—a decision that left many questioning its fairness. However, Vitinha squandered the chance with a feeble spot-kick that was comfortably saved by David Raya.
Arsenal’s hopes were reignited briefly, only to be extinguished minutes later. A defensive lapse from Thomas Partey allowed Achraf Hakimi to pounce, curling a superb finish into the net in the 73rd minute to give PSG a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead.
Just three minutes later, Saka finally found the net, converting a Leandro Trossard cross to give Arsenal a lifeline. The England international had a golden chance to draw the tie level moments later, but blazed over the bar from close range with the goal gaping.
At full-time, the Parc des Princes erupted as PSG sealed their place in the final and moved a step closer to their long-awaited first Champions League title.
Speaking after the match, Arteta praised his team’s effort, highlighting Donnarumma’s heroics as the decisive factor. “He made the difference for them,” Arteta said. Declan Rice echoed the sentiment, calling the result “gutting” but promising the squad would “keep pushing.”
PSG now advance to the final in Munich, where they will face Inter Milan on May 31. The Italian giants edged Barcelona in a thrilling 7-6 aggregate win to book their spot in what promises to be a blockbuster conclusion to this year’s tournament.
