PSG 2-1 Arsenal (3-1 agg): 4 talking points as profligacy costs Gunners in second leg

Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the Champions League final on Wednesday evening after beating Arsenal 2-1 in their semi-final second leg.

PSG boasted a one-goal advantage from the first leg and were aiming to book a date with Inter in the showpiece event at the end of the month, with their position strengthened at the end of the first half as Fabian Ruiz produced the opening goal of the game at the Parc des Princes.

Achraf Hakimi rattled home PSG's second of the evening shortly after Vitinha's penalty miss and Bukayo Saka's subsequent strike proved immaterial as the Ligue 1 champions held on to reach the final, where they will face Inter on Saturday 31 May.

How the game unfolded

Arsenal understood the magnitude of their assignment in the deafening Parc des Princes but showed zero signs of an inferiority complex in the opening exchanges. In fact, the Gunners could - and probably should - have scored thrice within eight minutes, quarter-final hero Declan Rice heading inches wide before Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into exceptional reflex saves.

Arsenal's direct approach proved immensely challenging for PSG's rearguard as regular long throws into the penalty area unnerved the hosts, but the Gunners were offered a swift reminder of the attacking wizardry of their opponents as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia crashed the post at the other end. Even without last week's match-winner Ousmane Dembele, who was stuck on the bench due to a hamstring concern, Luis Enrique's forward options were tantalising.

It wasn't a member of PSG's dazzling front three that opened the scoring, though. Thomas Partey's headed clearance from a wide free kick was collected by Euro 2024 star Ruiz on the edge of the penalty area, who, after an excellent first touch, rifled a half-volley beyond David Raya's reach to widen the home side's aggregate margin.

Bradley Barcola should have put further daylight between the teams just moments after the opener but failed to bypass Raya's outstretched palm. Despite their electrifying start, Arsenal were somewhat relieved to enter the half-time break with just a one-goal deficit on the night.

Arsenal knew they required an almighty second-half turnaround to secure their spot in Munich's final but they were unable to muster a crucial early goal after the restart. Saka came closest for the visitors just after the hour mark but, not for the first time in this year's Champions League, Donnarumma produced an exquisite fingertip save to deny the winger.

Just ten minutes later, however, the tie was put beyond doubt. Vitinha squandered PSG's first opportunity to double their lead in Paris as his penalty - which was awarded with the help of VAR - was rebuffed by Raya. But Hakimi fired beyond the Spaniard several minutes afterwards to put a three-goal buffer between the sides on aggregate.

Arsenal quickly reduced PSG's advantage back to two as Saka fired home from close range after Marquinhos believed he had been fouled moments earlier. But the England international proceeded to miss a gilt-edged chance that would have set up a chaotic finale in the French capital.

Saka's squandered opening proved the final moment of tension during a gripping semi-final, with PSG holding firm in the closing stages as they secured a return to the Champions League final for the first time since 2019/20. For Arsenal, it's another season without silverware.

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PSG edge closer to history

PSG have long found weird and wonderful routes to Champions League heartbreak as they chase their maiden title. The era of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi was unable to bring the prize most coveted by the French giants, with the club requiring a complete overhaul of their recent philosophy in order to finally find European joy.

Enrique's reign has brought something new in Paris. Of course, PSG have spent colossal sums and still boast an abundance of world-class talent, but they have sacrificed their superstars in favour of team players. Every member of their squad plays with the intensity and tenacity required.

Both performances against Arsenal showcased PSG's remarkable blend of industry and ingenuity. Their forwards conjured up the necessary magic when needed. Their midfielders brought immense energy and technical quality. Their defenders battled for every 50-50. Their goalkeeper sparkled with several stunning stops.

PSG now know they are just 90 minutes away from becoming only the second French side to win the Champions League, and would be incredibly worthy victors. Inter will prove a formidable test in the final, but Les Parisiens will be favourites. Perhaps this really is their year.

Missed chances haunt Arsenal

Arsenal were guilty of lethargy in the final third during an underwhelming first leg performance but no such criticism could be levelled at them in the French capital. Mikel Arteta's side made a breathless start that PSG couldn't contain, with three glorious opportunities coming and going in the opening eight minutes.

Rice should have breached Donnarumma's goal in the third minute but an impressive leap above Marquinhos proved immaterial as he flashed his header wide of the far post. Similarly, Martinelli would have expected to etch his name on the scoresheet less than a minute later but failed to strike either side of the towering PSG stopper.

Odegaard could have done little more with his rasping low drive and was simply unfortunate to find Donnarumma's gigantic hand in its path, but there was an immediate sense that Arsenal's inability to take one of their early chances would prove costly.

That feeling came to pass as PSG scored once in either half to condemn Arsenal to another trophyless season, with Saka failing to convert an exceptional chance in the latter stages that could have put the cat among the pigeons. It's a familiar story for the Gunners, whose profligacy has haunted them on the big stage once again.

Another Donnarumma masterclass

Another Champions League night, another magical Donnarumma display. There is little new to be said regarding the 26-year-old, who still retains his fair share of sceptics, with another stunning outing helping PSG reach the final.

The Italian was the hero of the last 16 triumph over Liverpool and the difference-maker in the quarter-final against Aston Villa. Having made two mammoth saves during the first leg in north London, Donnarumma once again thwarted English opposition on Wednesday evening.

Two epic stops in the opening eight minutes proved hugely important in Paris, with an early Arsenal goal completely altering the state of play. A similarly wonderful save in the second half, prior to PSG's all-important second, prevented a potential comeback, with the French outfit once again leaning on the reflexes of their monster between the sticks.

Arsenal leave Paris with dignity intact

Despite Arsenal's sub-par first leg showing and wastefulness in the final third in this one, they were able to leave Paris with their heads held high. They went toe-to-toe with a truly excellent PSG team and were largely the better side in the second leg, creating some great openings with impressive attacking play. For the most part, they were defensively sound, too.

Of course, their lack of polish in the key moments proved decisive in their semi-final exit, but Arsenal can take positives from another strong European campaign.

Arsenal's league phase performance was mightily impressive as they sauntered directly into the last 16, then demolishing PSV Eindhoven in their first knockout match despite an injury crisis. A dominant two-legged triumph over Real Madrid will offer them confidence going forward and they showcased glimpses of their true selves against an outstanding PSG.

Even without silverware, Arsenal can take pride from their continental campaign regardless.

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