PSG Advances to Champions League Final, Will Face Inter
Paris Saint-Germain, seeking the treble, will face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on May 31. Luis Enrique’s team secured their place after defeating Arsenal with an aggregate score of 3-1 in the semi-final held at the Parc des Princes.
A goal by Fabián Ruiz in the first half and a goal by Achraf Hakimi in the second, after a missed penalty by Vitinha and saved by Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, led PSG towards the final in Munich. Although Bukayo Saka scored in the 76th minute, Arsenal failed to come back.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG goalkeeper, was key with his saves against Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard in the first ten minutes. After winning the first leg 1-0 at the Emirates, PSG secured their place in the final, and the Ligue 1 champions, who will play the French Cup final on May 24 against Reims, could achieve a historic treble.
Paris Saint-Germain will seek to win its first Champions League title against Inter in the final on May 31.
(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The PSG Team Spirit Shines Beyond Individual Stars
PSG is in the Champions League final, and their achievement highlights the collective work. Just a year ago, Kylian Mbappé was about to leave PSG, but his departure spurred a new strategy of building a team of young talents under the direction of Luis Enrique.
Without Mbappé, PSG had a difficult start in the group stage, but Luis Enrique’s team consolidated in the middle of the season with Ousmane Dembélé as inspiration and the outstanding participation of young players like Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. In midfield, Vitinha, João Neves and Ruiz formed a formidable unit, while Hakimi and Nuno Mendes were an unstoppable defense and attack.
Donnarumma has recovered his best form and Marquinhos has dominated in central defense. Although Mbappé is possibly the best forward in the world, PSG has thrived without him, coming within 90 minutes of winning the Champions League.
The Arsenal and the Title Quest
Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta is undeniable, but winning titles remains a challenge. The defeat in Paris condemned the Gunners to another season without trophies, with their last major achievement being the 2020 FA Cup final.
This season promised much, especially with Manchester City’s slump and Jürgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, but Arsenal couldn’t compete for the title and has once again fallen short in Europe, with their only Champions League final in 2006.
They reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2009, but they didn’t achieve the objective. Arteta will point to injuries and bad luck, but the pattern of not being able to take the final step persists.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will spend another season without winning a major trophy.
(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Emerging Youth at PSG
The youngest team in the Champions League this season has reached the final. Luis Enrique prefers to work with young players because of their adaptability, discipline, and energy, which fits with his philosophy.
Players like Doué, Neves, Barcola, Vitinha, Mendes, Kvaratskhelia and Willian Pacho, all under 25 years old, have surprised in the Champions League after a shaky start. PSG has shown that youth can take talent even further.
The Need to Strengthen Arsenal’s Attack
Saka’s goal in the 76th minute was Arsenal’s first in their last seven semi-finals. Although Saka has scored 10 goals in 18 Champions League matches, the lack of goals in attack is evident.
Arsenal didn’t sign a forward last summer or in January. They need more in attack, and they must show the same bravery in the transfer market as their players in the defeat against PSG.
The output of Europe is a painful reminder of a lesson that must be learned. More magic is needed.
2:35Moreno: Arsenal played like Tony Pulis’ Stoke vs. PSG. Alejandro Moreno criticizes Arsenal for their reliance on set pieces after their Champions League elimination.
Kvaratskhelia: A Successful Signing for PSG
Kvaratskhelia is a pleasure to watch, with his bohemian style and passion for creativity. Although he didn’t seem to fit in Luis Enrique’s “collectivist” PSG, he quickly adapted to the Parc des Princes and the team spirit.
He has proven to be a player of great value, and now he is about to lead PSG to their first Champions League crown. He could be on his way to becoming Kyliantskhelia.
