Arsenal huffed and puffed but could not overcome a reselient PSG, who knocked them out of the Champions League semi-finals.
Paris Saint-Germain are on the brink of history after booking a place in their second-ever UEFA Champions League final with a 2-1 win over Arsenal on the night and a 3-1 aggregate triumph.
Despite Arsenal’s spirited start, PSG’s grit, tactical maturity, and individual brilliance proved decisive. Here are five reasons why the Parisians prevailed:
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1. Gianluigi Donnarumma's Game-Changing Goalkeeping
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Over both legs, Donnarumma was PSG’s cornerstone. The Italian produced a string of heroic saves in the opening exchanges, denying Martinelli and Ødegaard with breathtaking reflexes.
Even when he showed moments of shakiness — flapping at a cross that nearly gifted Arsenal a goal — his shot-stopping made the difference. His performances gave PSG the breathing room to survive Arsenal’s dominance and counter with efficiency.
2. Ruthless Efficiency in Front of Goal
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While Arsenal peppered the PSG goal early on, they lacked the finishing touch. PSG, on the other hand, made their chances count.
Fabian Ruiz’s deflected opener may have come against the run of play, but it shifted the game’s momentum. Achraf Hakimi’s composed finish after Vitinha missed a penalty summed up PSG’s ability to stay calm and capitalize when the moment came.
3. Tactical Maturity Over Flashy Football
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Luis Enrique’s side didn’t deliver a vintage attacking performance — and they didn’t need to. With Dembélé limited to a late cameo and several attackers uncomfortable centrally, PSG instead leaned on structure, discipline, and resolve.
Their ability to absorb pressure and dictate the tempo after the early storm reflected a level of game management they’ve often lacked in past campaigns.
4. Arsenal's Missed Opportunities and Familiar Frailties
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Bukayo Saka's late deflected goal finally ended Arsenal’s long Champions League semi-final drought of goalless legs, but he also missed a golden chance minutes later.
The Gunners’ familiar failings — wastefulness in front of goal and poor second-phase defending — resurfaced, particularly in Ruiz’s opener. Once again, Arsenal played with flair but lacked the killer edge.
5. PSG's Mental Resilience and Winning Mentality
This time, PSG showed they could win ugly. In years past, the French giants have folded under pressure or chased style over substance.
Against Arsenal, they stayed composed, absorbed the heat, and delivered when it counted.
“It wasn’t a buccaneering performance, but it oozed maturity,” wrote The Athletic’s Jack Lang — a perfect summation of a side finally looking ready to take the final step.
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