PSG beat Arsenal to face Inter Milan in Champions League final
Paris Saint-Germain will have a second chance to win the Champions League at long last as they reached the final 3-1 on aggregate over Arsenal with a 2-1 home victory on Wednesday.
Fabián Ruiz fired the opener in the 27th minutes at the Parc des Princes. Achraf Hakimi curled the second in the 72nd for the French champions, who three minutes earlier had failed to convert a penalty from Vitinha.
Advertisement
Arsenal got a lifeline from Bukayo Saka in the 76th but it was too little to late for the Gunners who had wasted a trio of top chances in the opening minutes.
In the Munich final on May 31, PSG will face three-time champions Inter Milan, who won a semi-final tie for the ages 7-6 on aggregate against Barcelona the previous day.
Qatari-owned PSG have long thirsted to win the European elite event for the first time. They reached the final in 2020, losing to Bayern Munich, while also being stopped in several semi-finals.
A treble is possible for PSG who have already clinched the Ligue 1 title and are in the Coupe de France final under coach Luis Enrique, who already has a treble from 2015 while in charge of Barca.
Advertisement
The success run, which saw Arsenal as their third English scalp after Liverpool and Aston Villa, comes amid a new strategic approach a year after the departure of talisman Kylian Mbappé, and previous exits of superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Arsenal meanwhile failed to make the final for the second time 19 years after their debut there in 2006, when they lost against Barca.
They impressively beat title holders and record winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, but now see their season unravel late, having also lost the Premier League title race against Liverpool.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Yahoo
From ball girl to teenage super-sub: Who is England's Michelle Agyemang?
"Something special" was how England boss Sarina Wiegman described Michelle Agyemang after the Lionesses latest Women's Euros victory. It was the 19-year-old, yet again, who saved England from the brink of elimination. For the second time in two games the young forward scored a decisive goal, this time leaving it as late as to draw the Lionesses level with Italy and take the game to extra time, where England dug deep to avoid another nail-biting penalty shootout and go through 2-1 winners. The achievement is even more impressive when you consider it was only four years ago that Agyemang was a ball girl during England's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in 2021. Back then, it was her first time going to Wembley, and her first real encounter with England's senior national team. Fast-forward to 2025, and it is hard to imagine the without their youngest member. So who is Michelle Agyemang, and how has she risen so quickly through the football ranks? Regular Arsenal and Young Lioness goalscorer Born in South Ockendon, Essex, in 2006, Agyemang grew up as a fan of Arsenal and joined the north London team at the age of six. In 2022, aged 16, she made her debut for Arsenal in a 4-0 win over Leicester City in the Women's Super League. It was around this time that she also started as a Young Lioness, having first been called up to represent her country in the Women's Under-16s squad. She scored an impressive 10 goals in 12 appearances for the WU17s before making the step-up to the WU19s. The call-up from Wiegman In April this year Agyemang was called up to England women's senior squad for the first time. Earlier the same week, she had helped the WU19s qualify for the European Women's Under-19 Championship in Poland. She got her debut in the Lionesses' UEFA Women's Nations League clash against Belgium in Leuven, scoring a stunning goal after just 41 seconds on the pitch. Despite her best efforts, the team lost 3-2, but it was undoubtedly her stand-out performance that secured her a place in Weigman's 23-player squad for Euro 2025 in Switzerland. First senior tournament Agyemang's success on the pitch has continued into Euro 2025. Despite a loss to France in England's first match in the tournament, the team's campaign got into gear with wins over the Netherlands and Wales, which sent them through to the knock-out stages. It was during England's quarter-final showdown against Sweden that Agyemang truly proved her worth, coming off the bench and levelling the game in the 81st minute, England's second goal in three minutes to draw level with the Swedes. And she was at it again in the semi-final. In the 96th minute, with England's hopes fading in the face of fierce Italian resistance, the ball fell to super-sub Agyemang in the box and she sent it flying into the back of the net. And if that wasn't enough, Agyemang almost won the game herself in extra time, hitting the bar with an audacious lob in the 116th minute. Read more: It was Chloe Kelly who won the game in the end, slotting in her follow-up after the Italy keeper Laura Giuliani saved her initial penalty. But in the final, all eyes will be on the youngster Agyemang. "She has something special," Wiegman said of Agyemang. "She's only 19-years-old, she's very mature, she knows exactly what she has to do. "When you talk about little things that she picks up straight away, because she's not only in the 18-yard box very dangerous but when we have to go to her as a target player, she keeps the ball really well too. "Even when you saw her shot hit the crossbar, that was not just a shot, she was aiming for it. If she continues like this she has a very bright future."


New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
Zubimendi and Merino interview: ‘Quality' Arteta, Arsenal's Basque influence, and last season's lessons
After six years together at Real Sociedad, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino have been reunited in north London (via Singapore). 'It's a different change for me. It's the change I wanted,' says 26-year-old Zubimendi, speaking to reporters at the launch of Arsenal's 2025-26 away kit, at Singapore's rooftop Nova Bar, 63 levels and 282 metres above ground. 'Since the first day I've been here, I've noticed the greatness of this club, and I'm adapting.' Advertisement 'That's why he's here,' adds Merino, 29. 'This club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles. We have the right attitude, a really hungry group — it's amazing.' In the space of just over 10 months, Arsenal have signed two Spain midfielders from the same La Liga club. In the 2023-24 season, Zubimendi and Merino played 45 games apiece (Merino 39 starts; Zubimendi 41), helping Real Sociedad to a sixth-place finish and the last-16 of the Champions League. Arsenal have since relocated two-thirds of that midfield to north London. Pulling off these two transfers in consecutive summers was a considerable feat. The process was started by former sporting director Edu 12 months ago and was inherited by his interim successor, Jason Ayto, and director of football operations, James King. 'It was a really well-orchestrated plan,' Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Monday. 'And both players were very keen to come, which is very necessary. 'We had a club in Real Sociedad that understood the situation and they've been excellent. We did what we wanted, and the players did what we wanted, and I think Real Sociedad, at the end, were happy with the outcome.' Merino and Zubimendi were not especially conscious of the wider plan — typically for elite footballers, their focus was on the immediacy of the next training session, the next game, the next challenge. 'We were fighting for big things,' explains Merino of last season at Arsenal. 'It was a really tough season, and he was really focused on Sociedad, so we didn't speak much. Even with the national team, we didn't touch that subject. But obviously I'm really happy for him to be here and hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' Zubimendi was deeply committed to focusing on La Real, even as negotiations over his future carried on. Things may have turned out differently: Zubimendi had an opportunity to leave San Sebastian last summer when Liverpool were prepared to meet his €60million release clause. After some deliberation, he declined. 'It wasn't an easy time,' he says. 'I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options. The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave — and it wasn't the right time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision.' Advertisement By that stage, Arsenal had made their interest explicit. They respected Zubimendi's desire to stay for an extra year and set about the process of persuading him to join in 2025. The connection between Arteta and Zubimendi was key to the deal. 'I don't know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,' says Zubimendi. 'I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I've found him. In the few days I've been here, I've seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he's the one.' Arteta is just as enthusiastic about the new signing. 'When you have him every single day, how he captures the information, how he processes things on the pitch, it's very impressive,' the Arsenal manager said. Merino has taken on the 'big brother' role in helping Zubimendi adjust to life at Arsenal. For a player who has only ever played in his native Basque Country, it's a significant change. Although his answers in this interview are given in Spanish, his English is improving. He takes lessons twice a week to speed up the process. Having already adapted to life in England, what advice would Merino offer his team-mate? 'The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way because sometimes you need time to adapt,' says Merino. 'He's going to adapt perfectly because he's really smart. The group we have is always helping new guys. I felt the love and the help of everyone.' If Merino is totally confident in Zubimendi's capacity to adapt to playing in the Premier League, it may be life away from football where he can provide the most support. 'Outside the pitch is a big step,' says Merino. 'You change countries, you change cultures. The rhythm of life is very different in our old city than in London, in a massive city. Advertisement 'We're going to be living pretty close to one another — not in the same house, though! We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground, so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'Having known each other for seven or eight years, we're going to be doing some plans together.' With Merino alongside him, Zubimendi is settling in well. He has already performed his initiation song — La Bachata, in his native Spanish. Arteta was emphatic when asked where he sees Zubimendi playing — 'six' — and Zubimendi cites Rodri as 'an example' in his own game. But the move to Arsenal will mean evolving his game somewhat. 'Arteta is the kind of coach who expects a lot from his midfielders,' says Zubimendi. 'I'm going to try to do things I didn't do before. Playing in that position, I'll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I'm known for. Beyond that, I'm sure he'll ask me to do new things. After spending the last few months of the season playing as a centre-forward, Merino has already demonstrated his adaptability. 'I'm excited to try to increase my level, to try to learn, to try to keep being important in the squad, whichever role it takes,' he explains. 'Last season, it was a striker role, and I think I adapted quite well. It's about being ready to be whatever the team needs you to be. If you have to play as a striker or goalkeeper, just have the right attitude.' Is Zubimendi ready to play as a striker if needed? 'Not yet!' he replies in English. 'He could do it, I think,' says Merino. 'You might have to!' Arteta believes Zubimendi can help transform Arsenal from contenders into winners, but the player believes there are other aspects which could prove the difference. Advertisement 'The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons,' says the midfielder. 'The lessons they've learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year's targets. 'Football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. Arsenal were the only team who truly stood up to Paris Saint-Germain and they let it slip because of minor details.' Watching that Champions League has whetted Zubimendi's appetite for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium. 'Of course, when you sign for a club, the first thing that comes to mind is playing at home and soaking up the atmosphere,' he says. 'I've heard that last year was a special one — especially for Merino.' Zubimendi adds to a growing contingent of Spanish-speakers at London Colney. Merino insists, however, that the dressing room is well-integrated. 'We have an unbelievable atmosphere,' says Merino. 'It's not groups like the Spanish guys from one side and the French guys from the other. We are all mixed together. We have a really good mixture of different cultures, different guys from different places that all go for the same goal. It's great to have these guys in the squad. It's always laughing, it's always joking around. 'It's true that we have many Spanish players now, but we understand that we are in an English club, so we try to respect that. We try to speak as much English as possible.' Although it's predominantly an English-speaking dressing room, Arteta will use Spanish to quickly convey tactical instructions to his compatriots. Or if he's angry? 'He uses good English as well when he's angry!' quips Merino. Arsenal have added another Basque footballer, Kepa Arrizabalaga, during this summer's transfer window. Throw in former Real Sociedad players such as Merino and Martin Odegaard, as well as manager Arteta, and there is a distinctly Basque flavour at Arsenal now. This follows a trend in the Premier League, with other managers such as Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola impressing. Advertisement 'Now it's not only coaches, it's players, too!' says Arteta. 'I think it's the environment — the passion about the game, the education. 'Kepa is from not very far from where I lived, and when you see him walk through the door, immediately at the start, what do you think? I say, 'Woah, Oh my god. Straight away, what a joy to work with'.' They make for good players, then? 'Hopefully good people,' says Arteta.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
PSG pushing hard for Rodrygo
PSG pushing hard for Rodrygo Paris Saint-Germain is ramping up its pursuit of Rodrygo. According to Defensa Central, the Parisian club is reportedly considering shelling out up to 100 million euros to secure the services of the 24-year-old Brazilian forward. Once considered a cornerstone of Madrid's project, Rodrygo is now experiencing a mixed spell. Despite notching 14 goals and 10 assists in 54 appearances last season, questions have arisen over his inconsistency and a recent muscle injury. Liverpool, also in the mix, has identified him as a potential replacement for Luis Diaz. New Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso, however, has stated that he is counting on Rodrygo for the upcoming season. But with fierce competition and a star-studded attacking line, the Brazilian's future—under contract with Real Madrid until 2028—remains uncertain. Even if PSG can put millions on the table, it's unclear whether Rodrygo would accept a secondary role, especially behind Dembélé in Luis Enrique's attacking hierarchy.