PSG grind past Bayern to set up Arsenal final

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Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich to secure a Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest – and the defending champions arrive as clear favourites.

It was never going to match the spectacle of the first leg, but the return fixture in Munich was far from dull. PSG arrived with a 5-4 aggregate lead and left with a 6-5 victory, booking their place in the Champions League final with a performance that underlined exactly why they are the team to beat in Europe.

Ousmane Dembele set the tone early, scoring inside the opening minutes to give PSG the lead and immediately place the burden of the tie on Bayern.

For long stretches it felt less like a football match and more like a basketball game. Manuel Neuer and Matvey Safonov were both called into action repeatedly as two of the continent’s most potent attacks went at each other.

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Desire Doue was amongst the standout performers. A sensational solo run drew a sharp save from Neuer. Minutes later, Kvaratskhelia beat multiple defenders to tee up Doue, who fired into the side netting. He went close again shortly after, a low and powerful effort that whistled just wide.

Harry Kane gave Bayern hope with a late goal that briefly threatened a chance of extra time, but it was not enough. PSG edged an eleven-goal standoff 6-5 on aggregate.

Now comes Budapest – and the contrast with the other semi-final could not be more striking.

Where Arsenal ground out a disciplined, controlled tie past Atletico Madrid, PSG bettered Bayern Munich across two legs of high-octane football.

The defending champions beat Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayern in the knockout rounds – three clubs with a combined collection of European trophies that dwarfs anything Arsenal have faced on this run. Arteta’s side eliminated Sporting, Leverkusen and Atletico – respectable opponents, but not a single European winner among them.

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PSG also have a personal edge over Arsenal. They beat them in last season’s semi-finals. Dembele, the Ballon d’Or holder, was the difference then and looks to have lost none of that impact. Arsenal meanwhile are navigating a Premier League title race simultaneously – a rotation nightmare PSG simply do not face.

This is uncharted territory for Arsenal. On a single night, anything is possible. But the Gunners will need to produce something they have not yet shown in this competition to win it.

Luis Enrique’s side are not just defending their UEFA Champions League title – they are playing the best football in Europe while doing it.

Photo: Xavier Laine/Getty Images

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Dylan Johnson