PSG beat Arsenal in Paris to reach Champions League Final

PSG’s long-standing ambition of conquering Europe is now closer than ever. Their 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the second leg of the semi-final on Wednesday — completing a 3-1 aggregate triumph — has propelled them into the Champions League final, where they will face Italian champions Inter Milan in Munich on 31 May. For a club that has spent over a decade chasing continental success, this feels like a defining moment.

Despite dominating French football with 13 Ligue 1 titles, including nine in the last 12 seasons, the Champions League has remained elusive. Their only previous final appearance came in the 2019–20 season, when they were narrowly defeated by Bayern Munich. Now, under the leadership of Luis Enrique, PSG look like a team that has finally figured out how to succeed on the biggest stage.

The Spanish coach has built a squad defined not by individual stars, but by cohesion, energy, and collective effort. “Of all the Champions League teams I’ve seen this season, PSG are in a special moment,” said former England defender Matthew Upson on BBC Radio 5 Live. “It feels like this could finally be their time. They work incredibly hard for one another and have a speed and energy that’s hard to contain. Luis Enrique has given the team his stamp — intensity, togetherness, and fight.”

PSG’s pursuit of European glory has been a long one.

What makes PSG’s run to the final even more impressive is the adversity they’ve faced. The French side suffered five defeats en route to Munich — more than any finalist in recent memory — yet they consistently rose to the occasion when it mattered. Former England international Owen Hargreaves highlighted the transformation within the squad, noting the club’s renewed identity. “Luis Enrique knows you can’t carry passengers in this competition,” he said on TNT Sports. “They’ve gone with young, French players, and the fans really identify with this group. They’ve captured hearts, not just in Paris but among neutrals as well.”

One of PSG’s standout strengths has been their full-backs. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes have been tireless engines on both flanks. Hakimi, in particular, delivered man-of-the-match performances in both legs of the semi-final, scoring a spectacular goal to seal the win. Their ability to stretch the play going forward while maintaining defensive discipline has given PSG a crucial edge.

“They’ve come up against some of the best wingers in Europe and stood tall,” said former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha. “They aren’t afraid of one-on-one duels or being isolated in defense. As a full-back duo, they’ve been as good as any in the tournament.”

In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been nothing short of vital. The Italian shot-stopper made a string of crucial saves against Arsenal, earning praise from Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who described him as the tie’s most influential player. Onuoha echoed that view: “There were so many big moments where he stepped up. Some of his saves were massive, right when PSG needed them most.”

This surge in form comes despite the loss of three iconic players. Neymar and Lionel Messi departed in 2023, and Kylian Mbappe followed last summer, joining Real Madrid. Many questioned whether PSG could compete without their superstar trio. Instead, their absence has brought clarity and unity to the team.

“Without Neymar, Messi, or Mbappe, PSG are finally a complete side,” said former Arsenal defender Martin Keown. “You look at their forwards now and see them pressing relentlessly. I’ve not seen attacking players work this hard in a long time. They have to be the favourites now.”

Luis Enrique’s strategy has focused on building around youth and hunger. Ousmane Dembele, revitalized this season, has led the attack with a club-record 12 Champions League goal involvements. Alongside him, youngsters Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have injected unpredictability and flair.

Even Dembele’s injury didn’t slow PSG down. Bradley Barcola filled in capably, offering the same directness and pressing intensity that have become trademarks of this new-look side. French football expert Julien Laurens praised their front line’s dynamism. “This PSG team is full of youth, energy, and intensity,” he said on TNT Sports. “Even without Dembele, they’ve been fluid and fearless. Since the start of the year, they’ve looked like the best team in Europe.”

For a club that has often been criticised for style over substance, this version of PSG feels different — more grounded, more resilient, and, crucially, more ready than ever. Munich awaits, and with it, the chance to finally end their Champions League wait.