Fabian Ruiz (left) scored the first goal of the evening. © APA/afp / THOMAS SAMSON

Ice cold in Paris: Inter's final opponent is confirmed

Paris Saint-Germain showed their icy side on Wednesday evening, finally shattering Arsenal's dream of reaching the final. The French capital club will now face Inter in the UEFA Champions League final.

07 May 2025

From: dpa/sn

Five years after their final knockout against FC Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain have reached the Champions League final for the second time. The French champions secured their ticket to Munich with a 2-1 (1-0) victory over Arsenal, having already won the first leg against the Gunners 1-0.

On the way to their first triumph in Europe's premier club competition, PSG, which had previously defeated English clubs Liverpool FC and Aston Villa, now only stands in their way on May 31st against Inter Milan. The Italians eliminated FC Barcelona and coach Hansi Flick 4-3 after extra time in a memorable match on Tuesday.

PSG with triple dream

Goals from Fabian Ruiz (27') and Achraf Hakimi (72') paved the way for Paris to reach the final. Things are looking to improve there than in 2020, in an empty Lisbon stadium during the coronavirus pandemic, when Kingsley Coman headed Bayern to the title. Luis Enrique's team, already confirmed as champions, now even has a chance of winning the treble. They also have a cup victory in the final against Stade Reims on May 24.

Paris Saint-Germain is aiming for the first treble in club history. © ANSA / MOHAMMED BADRA

For Arsenal, who were still without German international Kai Havertz due to a long-term thigh injury, the long wait for their second final after 2006 (1-2 loss against Barça) continues. Bukayo Saka's goal (76') didn't change that.

Dembélé on the bench – Donnarumma outstanding

Exactly one year after the semifinal knockout against Borussia Dortmund at the same venue, the atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was electric. This time, nothing was going to go wrong. After the first-leg victory, the French team was brimming with anticipation, even though first-leg goalscorer Ousmane Dembélé, who was carrying a thigh injury, was relegated to the bench. The striker only came on in the second half.

It quickly became clear that a ticket to Munich would not be a foregone conclusion. Arsenal set a fierce tempo, pressed high, and initially dominated the game. It was thanks solely to star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma that the lead held in the early stages. The Italian, who has been outstanding for weeks, made brilliant saves from Gabriel Martinelli (4th) and Martin Odegaard (8th). Declan Rice also narrowly missed the target with a header (2021rd).

First post, then Ruiz volley

PSG, meanwhile, relied on surprise counterattacks – and were extremely dangerous. Georgian star Khvisha Kvarachelia hit the post with a long-range shot (17'), and Desiré Doué missed a good opportunity with a weak finish (23').
Shortly afterward, it happened, when Ruiz hammered the ball into the net from the edge of the penalty area following a set piece. It was the Spaniard's first goal in his 46th Champions League appearance. And with a little more coolness, Bradley Barcola could have even sealed the victory with a free-kick in front of David Raya (36').

PSG has truly earned its place in the final. © APA/afp / THOMAS SAMSON

Arsenal continued to attack in the second half, but Donnarumma, just as he had with Saka's shot, was almost impossible to beat (64'). Immediately afterwards, referee Felix Zwayer was in the spotlight when he was called to the video screen. There he subsequently penalised Myles Lewis-Skelly for handball when Hakimi shot. But Vitinha missed the chance from the penalty spot (69'). So it took a few more minutes before Hakimi seemed to decide the game. But Arsenal came back once again through Saka. And if the England international hadn't then shot over the empty net, it would have been a heated final phase (80').

UEFA Champions League, semi-final second legs

Paris Saint-Germain – Arsenal FC 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: 1:0 Fabian (27th), 2:0 Hakimi (72nd), 2:1 Saka (76th)

Inter – FC Barcelona 4:3 aet (2:0, 3:3)
Goals: 1:0 Martinez (21'), 2:0 Calhanoglu (45'+1/penalty), 2:1 Eric (54'), 2:2 Olmo (60'), 2:3 Raphinha (88'), 3:3 Acerbi (90'+3), 4:3 Frattesi (99')