PSG Outlast Arsenal to Book Their Place
Paris Saint-Germain are heading back to the Champions League final, dispatching Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate in the semifinals. A composed display in Paris — featuring goals from Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi — sealed the result after a slim first-leg victory at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal brief hope, but PSG never lost control.
With Ligue 1 already clinched and a Coupe de France final on the horizon, Luis Enrique’s side is now chasing a historic treble — and only Inter Milan stands in their way.
From Superstars to System: PSG’s Identity Shift
The post-Mbappé era in Paris has been transformative. With Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid, PSG abandoned the superstar-centric model and embraced a cohesive, high-tempo unit under Luis Enrique.
Ousmane Dembélé now leads a youthful frontline that includes breakout talents Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, and midseason signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. In midfield, Vitinha, João Neves, and Ruiz offer relentless work rate and intelligent tempo control. Fullbacks Hakimi and Nuno Mendes add width, pace, and two-way aggression.
The result? A balanced squad with no ego — just execution.
Arsenal’s Lesson in Fine Margins
Despite their first Champions League semifinal appearance since 2009, Arsenal’s European dream remains unfulfilled. Saka’s strike — their only goal across both legs — was a lone bright spot in a tie defined by missed opportunities.
Mikel Arteta’s tactical evolution continues to impress, but the Gunners’ lack of a clinical No. 9 was again evident. Without a reliable striker, Arsenal struggled to capitalize on key moments — a hurdle they must overcome to progress further in Europe.
PSG’s Youthful Surge
Luis Enrique’s squad is the youngest in the competition, averaging under 25 years old. That youth has brought relentless energy, pressing, and bravery — most notably in a dramatic Round of 16 penalty win at Anfield.
This fearlessness has made PSG the tournament’s most dynamic side, overwhelming opponents with pace, movement, and conviction.
Kvaratskhelia: The X-Factor
January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a revelation. Nicknamed “Kvaradona,” the Georgian winger has slotted seamlessly into PSG’s structure while providing the flair and unpredictability that could unlock even the toughest defenses.
His low socks, dribbling wizardry, and instinctive play make him the ideal wild card for Munich. If the final is tight, he may be the difference.
The Final Showdown: PSG vs. Inter
Inter Milan now await — a battle-tested team with the tournament’s oldest average age and a disciplined 3-5-2 system under Simone Inzaghi. After toppling Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Inter bring a formidable blend of experience and structure to the final.
Can PSG’s youthful flair topple Inter’s hardened consistency? The answer will define the 2025 Champions League season.
For one club, May 31 will mark a historic first European crown. For the other, it will be another near miss in a tournament where margins — and moments — define legacies.
