Champions League: Arsenal crash out as PSG set up final clash with Inter

Arsenal’s dream of winning a first-ever UEFA Champions League title came to a crushing end after a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Parc des Princes, sealing a 3-1 aggregate win for the French champions.

Despite trailing by a goal from the first leg, Mikel Arteta’s side made a bright start in Paris. But their hopes were dented when Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for PSG in the 27th minute, doubling the home side’s advantage in the tie.

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Vitinha missed a penalty awarded after Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for handball via a contentious VAR review. But PSG would eventually put the game beyond doubt in the second half when Achraf Hakimi fired home in the 72nd minute.

Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a glimmer of hope with a swift reply four minutes later, but the England international squandered a golden opportunity to make it 2-2 on the night, blazing over from close range.

PSG’s victory marks their third straight triumph over English opposition in this season’s knockout stages, following wins over Liverpool and Aston Villa, and sets up a mouthwatering final against Inter Milan on May 31.

For Arsenal, it was a bitter return to the city where they made their only previous Champions League final appearance in 2006, suffering another heartbreak in Paris nearly two decades later.