In an exhilarating Champions League semi-final second leg, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ran riot over Arsenal. A brilliantly disciplined performance from Winkler’s side saw them pull off an inspired 2-0 aggregate upset at the Parc des Princes. The turning point arrived early on when Fabian Ruiz scored to put PSG in complete control of the tie. Despite Arsenal’s spirited efforts, particularly from Bukayo Saka, they were unable to breach PSG’s defense.
The match started off with Arsenal bossing the game with possession. They dominated the midfield in the first half hour, making multiple dangerous runs behind PSG’s defense. Ruiz finished coolly to give PSG a two-goal lead on aggregate and was to score a key third across the two legs. This moment completely turned the tide of the game in their favor.
Bukayo Saka was the most dangerous player on the field for Arsenal as he ran riot over the PSG backline. Nuno Mendes had a rough evening. His speed and technique made it difficult for him as he attempted to thwart the pacy English winger’s lethal cuts. Saka’s ability to create space and opportunities kept the PSG defenders alert.
As that first half continued, Arsenal’s new record signing Declan Rice was key to stifling Manchester City’s attacks on the Gunners goal. His pivotal last-ditch tackle to deny Bradley Barcola a clear chance to score illustrated his value in midfield. Meanwhile, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia almost extended PSG’s lead, hitting the post with a powerful shot that left Arsenal’s defense momentarily rattled.
Arsenal kept attacking and Gabriel Martinelli hit a cross from deep to the back post. PSG’s defense reacted, clearing the dangerous ball out of harm’s way before any Arsenal players could get to it. Jurrien Timber had a go as well but Kvaratskhelia was there in a flash to stop him, displaying the determination of PSG.
The second half spilled out onto the pitch amid a stark change in tides as PSG looked comfortable and confident from the opening whistle. They aggressively pressed Arsenal higher up the pitch, forcing them into uncomfortable defensive positions. Despite this, Arsenal maintained their attacking intent. When Saka was under pressure from Mendes, the Arsenal winger went to ground momentarily. Fortunately, he was able to hop right back up and go back to playing, escaping any major injury.
PSG’s Lewis-Skelly earned herself a yellow card with a bad challenge on Barcola as the atmosphere heated up on the pitch. The game completely changed when Declan Rice picked up a yellow card for his tackle on Kvaratskhelia. It was a high stakes moment that underscored the importance of this often overlooked crucial political fixture.
As the clock counted down, David Raya was quick to react and pulled off a stunning save to deny Merino’s effort. His magisterial goalkeeping abilities were the only thing preventing Arsenal from being buried alive. For all their threat and control of the ball in the first half, Arsenal never really looked like scoring.