Rock solid PSG weathers Gunners' barrage

Paris Saint-Germain weathered one attack after another on Wednesday, and showed remarkable adaptability to hold off and defeat an inspired Arsenal, reaching the Champions League final to have another shot at the title that has, so far, eluded the French champion.

Deprived of the ball and the possession it usually enjoys, PSG looked shaky early on, but found answers in counterattacks and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to win the game 2-1 and advance 3-1 on aggregate.

PSG reached the final of Europe's elite tournament for just the second time in its history — it was runner-up five years ago — and did so in the first season following the departure of superstar Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.

The big hole left by Mbappe was not filled by yet another superstar. It was a major change at a club, where, for more than a decade, its owners had spent lavishly to attract big names such as Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The club's new approach allowed coach Luis Enrique to build a rejuvenated, rock-solid side that has played some of the best soccer in Europe.

"I said from the first day that our goal was to work hard enough to be in a position to make history — and that remains our goal," Enrique said. "To be the first (PSG side) to win this long-awaited trophy. This is a project that has evolved since last year, and I feel very comfortable here as a coach, because I have the freedom and support from the president to build, adapting to the market, to put together a team that improves every day."