Arsenal’s dreams shattered; PSG to face Inter Milan in Champions League final

Paris:  Paris Saint-Germain endured a barrage of attacks and displayed impressive adaptability to edge past Arsenal 2-1 and secure their place in the Champions League final on Wednesday.

Denied the ball possession they typically dominate, PSG appeared unsettled in the early stages but responded with clinical counter-attacks and a stellar performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to progress 3-1 on aggregate.

It marks only the second time in the club’s history that PSG have reached the final of Europe’s top competition — they were runners-up five years ago — and they have done so in the first campaign since superstar Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid.

Mbappé’s departure left a major void, but PSG did not seek another marquee signing to replace him. This represents a fundamental shift at a club whose Qatari owners have, for over a decade, spent lavishly to attract world-class names such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, and Neymar.

The new philosophy allowed coach Luis Enrique to construct a revitalised, disciplined squad playing some of the most cohesive football in Europe. The French champions will now chase their first Champions League title against Inter Milan on 31 May in Munich.

“We believe in our coach and we believe in our players — in our talented, young, hungry players," PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi told CBS Sports. “They fight for the team, they die for the jersey, that’s the most important, for the city, for the club.

“There’s still one match to go. ... we are not done.”

Three-time European champions Inter progressed after a thrilling semi-final against Barcelona, winning 7-6 on aggregate in one of the most memorable ties in the competition’s history.

PSG, who previously eliminated Aston Villa and Liverpool before dispatching Arsenal, had fallen to Borussia Dortmund at this stage last season and lost the 2020 final to Bayern Munich.

“It’s a great feeling," said PSG captain Marquinhos. "We did a great job. It’s been a hard, slow road and we’ve had some very tough matches. We’re well on the way to the final, but it’s not over yet. I’ve already lost a final, so I know how it hurts. I’m going to try and pass on that experience to my teammates.”

The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Arsenal’s defence failed to properly clear a free-kick, and the ball landed for Fabian Ruiz, who blasted a superb half-volley into the net.

Achraf Hakimi added a second with a curling finish in the 72nd minute before Bukayo Saka replied for the Gunners shortly after.

Arsenal had struggled in the first leg in London — unable to cope with PSG’s midfield intensity — and lost 1-0.

This time, buoyed by the return of midfielder Thomas Partey, Arsenal made a strong start, pressing high and regaining possession quickly to pin PSG back. They mounted 61 attacks overall, compared to PSG’s 26.

The visitors’ early dominance produced two good chances: Declan Rice rose to meet a cross but failed to connect cleanly, and Gabriel Martinelli saw his shot saved by Donnarumma.

Arsenal continued to threaten, especially down the flanks, and nearly scored in the eighth minute when Martin Ødegaard struck a powerful low drive from outside the box, forcing Donnarumma into another fine stop.

PSG had little choice but to remain patient and look for breaks on the counter, which were rare.

Still, their defence held firm through the early onslaught, and they nearly struck in the 17th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia cut inside from the left and bent a trademark right-footed effort against the post.

They then failed to make the most of a wayward William Saliba pass, as Désiré Doué fired a tame effort straight at David Raya.

Arsenal continued to press after the break and almost levelled the score when Saka curled a precise shot towards the top corner, only for Donnarumma to stretch fully and make an excellent save.

Vitinha then missed a penalty after a VAR review ruled a handball on Myles Lewis-Skelly, but PSG soon doubled their lead as Hakimi slotted home from an Ousmane Dembélé assist.

Arsenal kept attacking and reduced the deficit through Saka in the 76th minute, but it was not enough. PSG held on to seal their place in the final.  | AP