PSG vs Arsenal – Tonight at the Parc des Princes in Paris

This evening, at the Parc des Princes in Paris, PSG hosts Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg. With Arsenal currently sitting 3rd in the league and Paris Saint-Germain 15th, the final result (2-1) sees PSG advance to the Champions League final.

The match is officiated by referee Felix Zwayer, with Bastian Dankert in charge of VAR.It was 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, when PSG lost to Bayern Munich: the match was decided by a goal from Kingsley Coman, a Paris native and former Juventus player. Now Dembélé and company have another chance to end what has become a true obsession: winning the European trophy, with the dream of a treble still within reach. But Inter, of course, will do everything possible to stop them.

PSG 1–0 Arsenal: Fabián Ruiz Decides a High-Intensity First Half, Donnarumma the Superhero

A fast-paced and spectacular first half at the Parc des Princes ends with PSG leading Arsenal 1-0, thanks to the only real flash of brilliance from the home side, a stunning volley from Fabián Ruiz in the 27th minute.

Arsenal came out flying, pressing high and pinning PSG in their own half. By the 3rd minute, Rice nearly scored with a header from a Lewis-Skelly assist, but Donnarumma stole the spotlight with two sensational saves—first denying Martinelli from close range, then stopping a rocket from Ødegaard, keeping PSG in the match.

The English side dominated: Martinelli and Saka consistently threatened from the flanks, but PSG withstood the pressure despite some mistakes in build-up play. At the 17th minute, PSG finally showed danger—Kvaratskhelia, quiet until then, curled a right-footed shot off the post.

Then came the cold shower for Arsenal: following a Kvaratskhelia free kick that was cleared by Thomas, Fabián Ruiz controlled the rebound and blasted a volley past Raya in the 27th minute, giving PSG a crucial goal and extending their aggregate lead.

Shortly after, Barcola had the chance to double the lead on a counterattack but was denied by Raya. Arsenal, shaken, struggled to regain their rhythm. Saka attempted some individual efforts but lacked support.

PSG went into the break up 1-0. The game remained wide open, but Arsenal needed more composure and accuracy to mount a comeback.

PSG 2–1 Arsenal: Intense, Nervy Clash Sends PSG to the Champions League Final

Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Champions League final after a gritty, high-stakes 2-1 win over Arsenal, in a match filled with tension, yellow cards, a missed penalty, and drama until the very end.

The semifinal was decided by standout performances from Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé. PSG took the lead in the 72nd minute thanks to Hakimi, who finished off a beautiful play initiated by Kvaratskhelia and set up by Dembélé. Just minutes earlier, in the 69th, Vitinha had the chance to seal the game from the penalty spot, but Raya made a brilliant save.

Arsenal quickly responded. In the 76th minute, Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners hope, scoring from a scramble in the box. But it wasn’t enough. In the final moments, PSG held firm, Donnarumma made two key saves, and Arsenal’s late push was repelled by the French side’s solid defense.

It was a tense match in terms of discipline as well, with several yellow cards and heated moments. The introduction of Gonçalo Ramos and Dembélé gave PSG renewed energy, allowing them to manage the closing minutes effectively and protect their lead through six minutes of added time.

PSG Player Ratings

• Donnarumma – 8: Dismantled Arsenal’s early confidence with sensational saves on Martinelli and Ødegaard, then denied Saka’s potential wonder goal. Nearly cost his team late with a poor clearance.
• Hakimi – 7.5: Grew into the game. Won the penalty and scored the crucial second goal.
• Marquinhos – 5.5: Commanded the backline until Saka’s goal, where he unsuccessfully appealed for a foul.
• Pacho – 6: Not a star, but held his ground against Arsenal’s unpredictable attack.
• Nuno Mendes – 6: Sloppy in possession but effective in defending Saka (88′ Ramos – 6).
• João Neves – 7: Played with veteran composure, crucial in breaking up play.
• Vitinha – 6.5: Important in both attack and defense but missed a poor penalty.
• Fabián Ruiz – 7.5: Incredible goal with a chest control and volley. Played a vital role beyond the goal.
• Kvaratskhelia – 7: Hit the post and won the free kick that led to the opening goal. Defensively solid too.
• Doué – 5: Ineffective as a center forward, barely involved (74′ Lucas Hernandez – 6).
• Barcola – 5: Struggled to fill in for Dembélé and missed a key chance (70′ Dembélé – 7).

Arsenal Player Ratings

• Raya – 8: Denied Barcola and saved Vitinha’s penalty. Confident with his feet. Could do little on the goals.
• Timber – 5.5: Started strong down the right, faded in the second half (83′ White – 6).
• Saliba – 5: Multiple defensive lapses, nearly gifted Doué a goal.
• Kiwior – 5: Costly turnover led to PSG’s second goal.
• Lewis-Skelly – 4.5: Gave away the penalty with a wide arm, lost several key balls (68′ Calafiori – 6).
• Ødegaard – 5.5: Only Donnarumma stopped him early, but faded as the game wore on.
• Partey – 4: Completely absent on PSG’s second goal and throughout the match.
• Rice – 5.5: Booked early, which limited his aggression.
• Saka – 6.5: Mostly contained by Nuno Mendes, but scored and missed a golden chance at an open goal after Donnarumma’s rare error.
• Merino – 5.5: Not a natural striker, ineffective in front of goal.
• Martinelli – 6: Key in pressing high but well managed by PSG (68′ Trossard – 6.5).