UCL RECAP: Arsenal Gunned Down in Paris as PSG Book Ticket to Wembley

In Paris, the same city where Arsenal lost their only Champions League final back in 2006, Mikel Arteta’s side needed to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat against a confident PSG. They started with high energy, putting the French champions under serious pressure from the kickoff.

Declan Rice headed just wide from a Jurrien Timber cross, sparking a strong early spell from Arsenal. Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make top-class saves to stop Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli from scoring. PSG, though, showed their threat on the counterattack when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hit the post with a powerful shot.

Shortly after, Rice picked up a yellow card for a foul on Kvaratskhelia, giving PSG a dangerous free-kick. Arsenal couldn’t deal with the resulting pressure, and Thomas Partey’s weak clearance fell to Fabian Ruiz. He controlled it on his chest and shot from the edge of the box his effort deflected off William Saliba and beat David Raya in goal.

After halftime, PSG looked more in control. They were awarded a surprising penalty when Achraf Hakimi’s shot brushed the hand of young Myles Lewis-Skelly. Even though PSG players didn’t appeal much, VAR said it was enough for a spot-kick. Raya made a great save to deny Vitinha, but Arsenal couldn’t take advantage. Moments later, Hakimi curled in a beautiful goal to make it 2-0 on the night.

Arsenal didn’t give up. Bukayo Saka, who had earlier been stopped by Donnarumma, got around the goalkeeper and scored to give the Gunners hope. But Saka later missed a golden chance to make it 2-2 he fired over the bar from very close range.

With a 3-1 win on aggregate, PSG move on and still have hopes of winning a treble, having already won the French league and with a cup final still to play. For Arsenal, it’s another season without a trophy their last major win was the FA Cup under Arteta in 2020.