Player Ratings: Ruiz and Hakimi Shine as PSG Knock Out Arsenal | OneFootball

PSG Edge Arsenal in Paris to Book Champions League Final Spot

For all of Arsenal’s belief, structure and daring in possession, it was Paris Saint-Germain who demonstrated the poise and precision required to reach the Champions League final. Under the lights of the Parc des Princes, and roared on by a Parisian crowd growing ever more expectant, PSG delivered the kind of mature European performance that has too often eluded them in recent years.

Leading 1-0 from the first leg in London, Luis Enrique’s side were composed and clinical, weathering Arsenal’s vibrant early play and then striking with purpose. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring just before half-time with a shot that took a cruel deflection, but it was a goal rooted in PSG’s increasing grip on the contest.

This wasn’t a demolition job. It was methodical, occasionally nervy, and ultimately effective – the kind of European display built on resilience as much as flair.

Moments define matches

PSG might have wrapped the tie up far earlier. When handed a penalty midway through the second half, Vitinha strode up with confidence, only to see his effort pushed away by David Raya – the Arsenal goalkeeper playing with authority in a city that once hosted his predecessors’ nightmares. But where Vitinha faltered, Achraf Hakimi soared. Moments later, the Moroccan full-back produced a goal of effortless elegance, shaping a shot into the far corner that Raya could only admire.

Arsenal did not capitulate. They never do. Bukayo Saka’s finish just four minutes later provided a flicker of belief. Mikel Arteta’s side kept pushing, pressing, passing – but they could not breach Paris again. This was a night of lessons and regrets, but also a reminder that their journey on this stage is far from over.

Parisians finally finding their European poise

There’s a sense that PSG, for once, are not just chasing the Champions League but embracing the marathon. Gone is the over-reliance on individual brilliance. In its place, a team moulded with structure, balance and just enough stardust. Ruiz, Hakimi and Kvaratskhelia stood out, not just for what they did with the ball, but how they managed the game.

Arsenal, by contrast, will leave with frustration. Not for lack of ambition, but for missed opportunities. Raya was their standout performer – that alone tells the story. The Gunners may have matched PSG technically, but in the moments that mattered, they were second best.

What lies ahead

Paris Saint-Germain now move on to face Inter Milan in the Champions League final – a meeting of two heavyweights, each with their own scars and aspirations. Arsenal return to north London to reflect, but also to build. If this campaign showed anything, it’s that they belong on nights like this.

Player Ratings

PSG

Arsenal (4-3-3)