Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are back on the biggest stage in European football. With a confident 2-1 win over Arsenal, they sealed a 3-1 aggregate victory to book their spot in the Champions League Final 2025. It’s a statement return for the French champions, who are now just one match away from lifting the coveted trophy for the first time in club history.
The result also marks another scalp in PSG’s dominant run against Premier League clubs this season, having already taken down Liverpool, Aston Villa, and now Arsenal. Simply put, PSG have become the ultimate slayer of the Premier League.
Dazzling Goals, Heroic Saves: Arsenal Left with No Answers
PSG came into the second leg with a 1-0 edge from the first meeting in London. But instead of defending the lead, they went for the jugular.
Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike, and Achraf Hakimi doubled the lead after a quick-fire assist from Ousmane Dembélé. Although Bukayo Saka pulled one back for Arsenal, it wasn’t enough.
The real wall, however, was Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian keeper made a string of superb saves, especially in the opening 20 minutes, denying clear chances from Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard. Even Arsenal’s manager admitted, “We should’ve been 3-0 up early on.”
PSG’s Champions League Run: Premier League Teams Can’t Stop Them
PSG’s path to the final has been ruthless especially against English opposition. They’ve now played eight matches against Premier League sides, with five wins and only three defeats.
- Group Stage: Beat Manchester City 4-2, lost narrowly to Arsenal 0-1
- Round of 16: Beat Liverpool on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate
- Quarter-finals: Knocked out Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate
- Semi-finals: Beat Arsenal 1-0 away, 2-1 at home
It’s not just the results, it’s the growth. PSG look sharper, more structured, and hungrier than they have in years. Tactically disciplined and confident on every line of the pitch, this isn’t the same team that faltered in past campaigns.
Dembélé’s Rise: From Injury-Prone to Ballon d’Or Frontrunner
One of the biggest transformation stories in football right now is Ousmane Dembélé. Once labeled injury-prone and inconsistent, he’s now delivering when it matters most. His assist to Achraf Hakimi was his 12th goal contribution in this Champions League season, setting a new club record.
In all competitions, he’s posted 33 goals and 11 assists in 46 matches numbers that speak for themselves. He’s now leading the race for the Ballon d’Or 2025, ahead of rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Donnarumma, too, has surged into contention after his semi-final heroics.
Mbappé’s Big Move, Bigger Regret?
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, who left PSG for Real Madrid in pursuit of Champions League glory, could finish the season trophyless.
He left Paris at the start of the season to chase Champions League glory with Real Madrid, but it may end in disappointment. Madrid are trailing in La Liga, eliminated from the Copa del Rey, and out of the Champions League.
Back in Paris, PSG have found a new identity and maybe even more balance, without him. The winter signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added a spark to their attack and structure to their defence, and the team has barely missed a beat.
One Game from Greatness: Can PSG Finally Do It?
With the French Super Cup and Ligue 1 title already secured, and the Coupe de France and Champions League Final both within reach, PSG are staring down the possibility of an unbelievable four-trophy season.
Their final obstacle? A clash with Inter Milan, a side equally determined to take the crown. For PSG, this is more than a title. It’s a chance to rewrite their narrative, to put past disappointments behind them, and to establish a new legacy. And for Dembélé, it could be the final push he needs to become football’s latest king.
From stunning goals and tactical dominance to standout individual brilliance, PSG’s 2024/25 campaign has been unforgettable. Their transformation post-Mbappé is complete, and their focus is sharper than ever.
Is this finally PSG’s year to conquer Europe? The Champions League Final 2025 may well deliver a new king not just of the continent, but of the football world.
