Paris celebrates, London weeps. Arsenal stops at the gates of the final after a fierce battle against Paris Saint-Germain (2-1), letting their European dream slip away.
Photos : UEFA/PSG/Arsenal/DR
Hope quickly shattered
Determined to overturn their 1-0 defeat at the Emirates, the Gunners start this second leg with remarkable intensity. In the opening minutes, Gianluigi Donnarumma is called into action, denying Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard. The spark seems within reach, but PSG responds mercilessly. In the 17th minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strikes the post, foreshadowing a Parisian uprising. Eleven minutes later, Fabian Ruiz finds the net, leaving Arsenal in a desperate race.
Photos : UEFA/PSG/Arsenal/DR
PSG takes off, Arsenal’s Illusion
Mikel Arteta’s men don’t take long to react. Bukayo Saka believes in the equalizer, but his shot is deflected by a superb Gianluigi Donnarumma. Then comes the turning point: a ball grazed by Myles Lewis-Skelly leads to a controversial referee decision. Vitinha steps up for the penalty, but David Raya leaps and saves Arsenal. A short-lived respite. In the 73rd minute, a poorly cleared ball by Thomas Partey hands Achraf Hakimi the perfect chance to send Paris soaring. His powerful strike electrifies Parc des Princes, which already smells the final.
Bukayo Saka, the tragic hero
Arsenal refuses to surrender. Three minutes after Hakimi’s goal, Bukayo Saka reignites hope, finishing a precise cross from Leandro Trossard. Destiny seems to shift. Then, in the 80th minute, the golden opportunity arrives: alone in front of goal, Bukayo Saka misses the unmissable. The ball sails over, carrying away Arsenal’s last hopes. When the referee blows the final whistle, Parc des Princes erupts.
Photos : UEFA/PSG/Arsenal/DR
PSG dreams of their first-ever Champions League trophy
Arsenal walks off the European stage with a bitter taste. An epic duel, a tragedy for Arsenal, a coronation on the horizon for Paris. The Gunners crumble, but their fight will be remembered. Meanwhile, PSG advances, fueled by an ambition stronger than ever.
Photos : UEFA/PSG/Arsenal/DR
