PSG vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Reaction as Gunners CRASH OUT of Champions League and Arteta’s side pay for missed chances
ARSENAL are OUT of the Champions League following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to PSG in the semi-finals.
After a frantic start, the Parisians took total control when Fabian Ruiz's thunderbolt gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in the tie.
In the 69th minute, PSG were handed a controversial penalty, but David Raya came to Arsenal's rescue as the Spaniard kept out Vitinha's woeful spot kick.
Moments later, the Gunners did fall further behind after Achraf Hakimi slotted home to make it 3-0 on aggregate.
Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal hope with more than a quarter of an hour to play, but it wasn't to be for Mikel Arteta's side as PSG head to Munich to face Inter Milan in the Champions League final later this month.
- Match result: PSG 2-1 Arsenal (AGG 3-1)
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Wenger's Arteta refute
Arsene Wenger has rejected claims from Mikel Arteta that Arsenal were better than Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League semi-final tie.
He said: "Overall, in the two games, I would say [PSG] were better than Arsenal, had more chances and were never really in danger, so congratulations to [them].
"I would say that we've seen a different Paris Saint-Germain - not guided by possession and brilliant football, but guided by refusing to concede goals and taking advantage on the counter-attack and on set-pieces is what gave them success tonight.
"On the other hand, with Arsenal, we saw the recurrence of being unable to score goals."
Evra's saucy claim
Patrice Evra bizarrely compared Arsenal's failure to interrupted sex in his latest bonkers video.
The former Manchester United star, 43, posted on X last night just minutes after the full-time whistle in Paris.
And he made his graphic and tasteless metaphor in strange style.
See the video below...
Patrice Evra compares Arsenal to interrupted sex in bizarre analogy after Champions League KOFergie 'hate watch' time
Sir Alex Ferguson jetted to Paris to watch Arsenal's Champions League dreams fade away.
The legendary Man Utd boss - who had an infamously bitter relationship with Arsene Wenger along the years - was spotted in the Parc des Princes stands for Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final second leg.
One fan posted: "Sir Alex Ferguson prefers to conduct his hate watches in person."
Another added: "Hatewatch so legendary Sir Alex Ferguson had to fly to Paris himself."
Rice 'player of the season'
Glen Johnson believes Declan Rice should win Player of the Season despite being on course to finish trophyless.
He told : "There’s a few candidates for Player of the Season, but I think I’d go with Declan Rice. I can’t remember the last time he played badly. Even when he’s not at his best, he’s still very effective in the game.
"After what he’s done recently in the Champions League against Real Madrid, stepping up when his team needed it most, he’s kicked on and risen to the next level.
“I know that often the Player of the Season goes to the top goal scorers, but I think if I was picking a team of the season, his name would be the first on the team sheet because he’s an excellent all-round player."
PSG fan car horror
A car rammed into football fans celebrating PSG's Champions League victory over Arsenal - before being torched in the street.
Shocking footage shows a car ploughing into a crowd of football fans as dozens kick it in retaliation in the early hours of Thursday.
The burning wreck of the vehicle can later be seen on Rue Christophe-Colomb, close to the Champs-Elysées.
Footage also shows fans clashing in the streets, and reports say at least three people were left injured, one of who is in critical condition.
French riot police 'tear gas entire streets' as fans 'throw fireworks' in chaotic scenes before PSG vs ArsenalEnrique shoots down Arteta claim
Luis Enrique wholeheartedly disagrees with Mikel Arteta's claim that Arsenal were better than PSG last night.
He said: "I don't agree at all. Mikel Arteta is a great friend but I don't agree at all.
"I think they played in a clever way today and they got the match to the right moment for them because they played in the way they wanted and they loved to play.
"But I think in the two legs we scored more goals than them and in football that is the most important thing."
Player ratings
There were some good shows on display at the Parc des Princes last night.
Ultimately, it didn't matter as PSG got the job done over Arsenal.
But who had a strong game for the Gunners? And did anyone have a game to forget?
Find out with our Arsenal player ratings below...
Rice laments missed chances
Declan Rice revealed he was gutted to be exiting Europe.
He said: "It's gutting. Such a dominant start. If you score one of them chances, the game changes on its head.
"It felt like it wasn't meant to be. Over the two legs we could have scored three or four goals, their goalkeeper has been unbelievable.
"In life, you have to lose a few in order to win. You have to overcome some of these setbacks to grow. We're growing as a team, we need to keep pushing.
"PSG have gone through but this isn't going to define us. It hurts, the boys and the manager, it's tough. It's a semi-final, we wanted to be in Munich."
Arteta defends KO'd side
Mikel Arteta has claimed Arsenal were the best team in the Champions League and they are "better" than PSG despite losing.
He said: "The assessment, I will make it when I'm a little bit cooler, but the feedback that I got is straight away from their bench is that we were much better than them.
"When you look at the two games, who's been their best player on the pitch, the goalkeeper. He's made a difference for them in the tie.
"100 per cent, I don't think there has been a better team in the competition so far."
Extra! Read all about it!
Let's recap on an ultimately disappointing night for Arsenal with Charlie Wyett's match report of their 2-1 Champions League semi-final, second leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
While Paris may be known as the city of love, Arsenal fans will not feel that way. It is 19 years since Arsene Wenger’s fine team were beaten in the final by Barcelona at the Stade De France and this latest defeat will be just as painful.
Charlie WyettHakimi hails 'genius' Enrique
Achraf Hakimi played another starring role for Paris Saint-Germain, and then paid tribute to the manager who has led them to the final showdown in Munich.
The Moroccan right-back scored the important second goal at the Parc des Princes, but was quick to shine the spotlight on his Spanish coach afterwards.
Having lost some star individuals, Enrique has rebuilt the club to produce a young, exciting side that play together as a team more than any other PSG outfit in recent memory.
Luis Enrique has done an incredible job since he’s arrived. He’s created a fantastic team, and there’s a lot of work that goes into doing that. He’s a master. He's a genius.
Achraf Hakimi
Gunners starved of semi success
After elimination in Paris, Arsenal have now failed to progress from each of their last four major cup semi-finals.
It is the club's their longest ever losing run at this stage of competitions, and all four exits have come under the management of Mikel Arteta.
- 3-2 agg defeat v PSG (Champions League, 2024-25)
- 4-0 agg defeat v Newcastle (League Cup, 2024-25)
- 2-0 agg defeat v Liverpool (League Cup, 2021-22)
- 2-1 agg defeat v Villarreal (Europa League, 2020-21)
Saka makes mark on biggest stage
It wasn't to be for Arsenal but Bukayo Saka did at least give the Gunners hope late on - and something to celebrate too.
In scoring, Saka brought up his 10th Champions League goal in what is just his 18th appearance in the competition.
The only Englishman to reach 10 goals in fewer Champions League games is Harry Kane (12).
Odegaard: We gave our all
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard believes his side did all they could in the cauldron of the Parc des Princes.
Speaking after the Gunners' Champions League semi-final elimination, the midfielder revealed he was proud of the team's effort, adding that fine margins at either end were the difference.
We gave it a proper go. We started the game really well, were on the front foot, had the momentum and created a few big chances. In the end, it wasn't enough. I think between the boxes we did well, and then inside the boxes we weren't good enough over the two legs. Credit to their goalkeeper, who made some great saves.
Martin Odegaard
Donna go all the way
It's been a difficult couple of seasons for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but performances like tonight will go a long way to restoring his reputation as one of the best in the world.
The Italian made superb stops to deny Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, helping to keep a rampant Arsenal at bay in the opening 20 minutes at the Parc des Princes.
History-making Myles going places
Myles Lewis-Skelly was given a difficult night by PSG's stellar attack, but that shouldn't take away from what is a fabulous personal achievement.
At 18 years and 223 days, the left-back became the fifth-youngest player, the youngest English player, and the youngest player for an English club, to start both legs of a Champions League semi-final.
Arteta: Donnarumma was the difference
Mikel Arteta believes his Arsenal team would be in the Champions League final had it not been for the heroics of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Italian stopper made a series of fine saves over the two legs, and was at his best when Arsenal started on the front foot at the Parc des Princes.
Firstly, congratulations to PSG for reaching the final. The assessment I will make when I am a little cooler. When you look at the two games, the best player on the pitch has been their goalkeeper. He has been the difference for them in the tie. We were very close, much closer than the result showed but unfortunately we are out. I am very proud of the players.
Mikel Arteta
201 and out for Arsenal
So Paris Saint-Germain have reached just their fourth major European final.
The Parisians reached the 1996 and 1997 Cup Winners’ Cup finals, winning the first of those, and then made 2020 Champions League final that they lost behind closed doors in Lisbon to Bayern Munich.
As for Arsenal, they have been eliminated at the semi-final stage of Europe's premier competition for the first time since 2008-09.
Tonight was their 201st match in the Champions League, the most of any club who have never lifted the trophy.
Match stats from the Parc des Princes
Arsenal produced an xG of 3.14 tonight, the most by a team against Paris SG in a Champions League game this season.
Their 19 shots were also their most in a knockout match since having 20 away at Barcelona in March 2016.
The Gunners went down fighting.
Full time - PSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)
It's all over! Paris Saint-Germain are off to Munich in three weeks to face Inter Milan in the final of the Champions League.
As the fireworks begin again, the Arsenal players sink to their knees, but they can at least take solace in a committed second leg performance.
"I think Arsenal did enough to get something from tonight," says Ally McCoist. "But I'm not sure it was enough to win the tie."
PSG will prepare for their second Champions League final, while Arsenal will turn their attentions back to the Premier League and ensuring they finish second so that they can return to the biggest European stage again next term.
PSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)
90+4. Arsenal's season is close to a conclusion, but they have beaten over two legs by a fabulous football team.
PSG will take some stopping in the final.
PSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)
90+2. Trossard makes room for himself in the box after cutting in from the left.
For a moment, the path looks clear, but as the Belgian gets his shot away, a sea of PSG defenders dive across to block.
PSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)
90. Five minutes of additional time are signalled by the fourth official.
The Gunners now need something remarkable, something of Lucas Moura proportions to progress.
PSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)
88. That man Kvaratskhelia wins a throw-in with a determined tackle, and responds by whipping the crowd up.
I'm not sure these home fans need much incentive, mind you. They're two minutes plus stoppages away from another Champions League final.
PSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)
86. Now Saka goes into the book.
The England international isn't too sure why, but he's been penalised for a challenge on the halfway line.
UEFA and Opta suggest it's for dissent, but I can't imagine that - he's a lovely boy.