Arsenal Out: Paris Saint-Germain Knock Spineless Gunners Out to Book Champions League Final Ticket
- Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal 2-1 at Parc des Princes on May 7 to reach the Champions League final
- Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi scored once apiece for the home side in the second leg of the semi-final tie
- After defeating Barcelona, Inter Milan will face PSG in the Champions League final on May 31 in Munich
Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the UEFA Champions League final have been dashed after Paris Saint-Germain's second-leg victory on May 7, in the second leg of the semi-final.
Mikel Arteta's men travelled to Parc des Princes after a 1-0 first-leg defeat in London, only for the Parisians to seal a 3-1 aggregate win and secure their place in the final this season.
Source: Getty Images
The Gunners began with energy and urgency, crafting early chances through Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.
However, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma stood firm, denying both efforts with brilliant saves on the night.
As the hosts settled into the game, their composure began to show as midfielder Fabian Ruiz punished Arsenal.
His first-half volley from outside the box left David Raya stretching, giving PSG a 1-0 lead and a 2-0 lead on aggregate.
Champions League: PSG take control in Paris
Despite flashes of intent in the second half, Arsenal could not penetrate a well-organised PSG defence, lacking the cutting edge to break down Luis Enrique’s disciplined team setup.
The Gunners’ chances of a comeback dimmed further when Miles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for a handball in the box, leading to a PSG penalty in the 69th minute.
Fortunately for Arsenal, Raya produced a fine save to deny Vitinha and keep their faint hopes alive, but just moments later, those hopes were crushed entirely.
Achraf Hakimi sent a curling strike into the top corner in the 72nd minute, putting the tie beyond doubt at 3-0 on aggregate and the Gunners' licking their wounds.
Source: Getty Images
Bukayo Saku pulled one back for Arsenal after a defensive mix-up, but it served more as a consolation goal for the North Londoners, who missed out on another Champions League final.
The defeat marked a fifth consecutive trophyless season for the Gunners after losing out in the Premier League title race to Liverpool and suffering early knockouts in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
PSG set final clash with Inter Milan
With the result, PSG advanced to their second Champions League final in five years and will face Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich.
The Italian side booked their ticket with a 7-6 aggregate win over Barcelona in one of the most thrilling semi-finals in recent memory.
For Arsenal, the loss marked another painful chapter in their European history and their wait for a Champions League title goes on.
Mikel Arteta’s young side showed promise throughout the competition but ultimately fell short when it mattered most, with many injuries also crucially leaving the squad depleted.
PSG, meanwhile, will chase their first-ever Champions League title, having come close in 2020. With this performance, they’ve shown the quality and hunger to go all the way.
As stated by the UCL's official website, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan will meet at the Munich Football Stadium on May 31, with the Italians chasing their third UCL trophy.
Referee appointment sparks controversy
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that German referee Felix Zwayer was appointed to officiate the UCL semi-final second leg between PSG and Arsenal.
His career has been marred by a 2005 scandal, where he accepted a £250 bribe from his fellow official Robert Hoyzer, earning a six-month ban.
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Source: Legit.ng
