Arsenal’s Champions League adventure ends in Paris
PSG 2 - 1 Arsenal (PSG won 3-1 on aggregate)
Arsenal’s hopes of reaching a first Champions League final since 2006 came to an end in Paris
Author - DJ
Stadium - Parc des Princes
Mikel Arteta’s side arrived needing to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg, but once again ran into the formidable presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper, outstanding in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium, delivered another superb performance with a series of saves that kept Arsenal at bay during a frenetic opening spell.
Donnarumma was alert to block Gabriel Martinelli's close-range effort, then produced an even more impressive stop to push away a low, driven shot from Martin Ødegaard as the visitors looked to strike early.
Against the run of play, PSG took the lead on the night after 27 minutes. Fabian Ruiz collected a loose clearance from Thomas Partey and unleashed a speculative effort from 20 yards that deflected past David Raya and into the net.
READ MORE: Reaction from an Arsenal fan on London Super News
The match continued at a high tempo. Donnarumma was again called into action to deny Bukayo Saka, while Raya saved a poorly struck penalty from Vitinha after Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for handball.
PSG doubled their advantage with just under 20 minutes remaining. Partey was caught in possession deep in his own half and Achraf Hakimi took full advantage, turning smartly before finishing with precision.
Saka finally found a way past Donnarumma with a well-angled finish four minutes later, giving Arsenal a glimmer of hope. However, he spurned a golden chance moments later, firing over an open goal that could have set up a tense finale.
Instead, it will be PSG who go on to face Inter Milan in the final in Munich, leaving Arsenal to reflect on what might have been after coming up short against inspired opposition.
More analysis from an Arsenal fan
Trophies are never a guarantee, but under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have evolved into one of the Premier League’s most impressive sides. The progress made during his tenure has instilled a belief among supporters that silverware should now follow as the next logical step.
Arteta has restored the club to the Champions League and turned them into consistent contenders for the domestic title. Yet a familiar critique continues to surface: Arsenal’s lack of ruthlessness in the final third.
Injuries have played their part, but there have been numerous occasions this season where Arsenal have controlled games, created chances, and still emerged with nothing—a recurring shortfall that continues to undermine their ambitions.
