Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) endured wave after wave of attacks and showed remarkable adaptability at home on Wednesday, defeating an inspired Arsenal 2-1 to reach the UEFA Champions League final. This result earned them another opportunity to claim a title they have long coveted.

Deprived of the ball possession they typically dominate, PSG looked shaky early in the second leg of the semi-final showdown. However, the hosts responded by relying on counterattacks and the excellent performance of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, advancing 3-1 on aggregate.

PSG reached the final of Europe’s premier club competition for just the second time in their history—having been runners-up five years ago—and did so in the first season following superstar striker Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid.

The considerable void left by Mbappé was not filled by another marquee signing, marking a significant shift for a club that had, for over a decade, lavishly spent to bring in high-profile players such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Lionel Messi, and Neymar.

This new approach allowed coach Luis Enrique to build a rejuvenated and rock-solid squad, playing some of the finest football in Europe.

"I said from the first day that our goal was to work hard enough to be in a position to make history—and that remains our goal, to be the first to win the long-awaited trophy," Enrique explained. "This is a project that has evolved since last year, and I feel very comfortable here as a coach because I have the freedom and support from the president to build what we want, adapting to the market to assemble a team that improves every day."

On the other hand, Arsenal were left disappointed after failing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in London.

"It fills me with so much pride, but at the same time, I’m so upset, so frustrated that we couldn’t manage to do it," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. "Today, I saw how much the players wanted it because they were in tears at the end."

PSG will attempt to secure their first-ever Champions League title when they face Inter Milan on 31 May in Munich.

"We believe in our coach and in our players—in our talented, young, hungry players," PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi told CBS Sports. "They fight for the team, they die for the jersey—that’s the most important thing, for the city, for the club. There’s still one match to go."

The French side broke the deadlock in the 27th minute with a set piece after Arsenal’s defence cleared a free-kick to the edge of the box. The ball fell kindly to Fabian Ruiz, who lashed in a stunning half-volley into the back of the net.

Achraf Hakimi added a precise finish in the 72nd minute to make it 2-0 on the night, before Bukayo Saka pulled one back for the Gunners.

Arsenal had struggled in the early minutes of last week’s match in London, unable to cope with PSG’s midfield intensity, losing 1-0.

This time, boosted by the return of midfielder Thomas Partey, the Gunners registered 61 attacks, compared to just 26 from the Parisians.

Despite this early dominance, Arsenal’s efforts were not rewarded. Declan Rice leapt for a header but missed, and Gabriel Martinelli saw his effort saved by Donnarumma.

Arsenal continued to overwhelm PSG on the wings and went close again in the eighth minute when Martin Ødegaard unleashed a low drive from outside the box, forcing Donnarumma into another superb save.

PSG, however, had little choice but to wait for counterattacking opportunities.

An opening finally came in the 17th minute. With a bit of space on the left, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia cut inside on his right foot and curled one of his trademark pinpoint shots, which rattled the post.

Arsenal had another excellent opportunity just after the hour mark, when Saka curled a precise shot that seemed destined for the top corner, only for Donnarumma to stretch his long frame and parry the ball away.

Vitinha then missed a penalty after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check ruled a handball by Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, it wasn’t long before PSG doubled their lead, with Hakimi sweeping the ball into the corner after being assisted by substitute Ousmane Dembélé.

Arsenal continued to press until the end and reduced the deficit through Saka in the 76th minute.

But it wasn’t enough, and PSG are now heading to their second final, aiming to go one step further than they did five years ago.