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."

PSG will face Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich to vie for that elusive European title.

"We believe in our coach, and we believe in our players — in our talented, young, hungry players," PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told CBS Sports.

"It's a great feeling, we've done a great job to get to the final, but it's not over yet, we want more, we want to win this title," PSG's Brazilian skipper Marquinhos told French broadcaster Canal Plus, echoing Al-Khelaifi's sentiments.

PSG broke the deadlock in the 27th minute from a set piece after the Arsenal defense cleared a freekick toward the edge of the area. The ball bounced back into the path of Fabian Ruiz, who smashed a stunning half-volley into the back of the net.

At 72 minutes, Achraf Hakimi curled in a precise finish to make it 2-0 on the night, before Bukayo Saka pulled one back for the visitor.

Arsenal had struggled early on last week in London — unable to cope with PSG's intensity in midfield — and lost 1-0.

This time, boosted by the return of midfielder Thomas Partey, the Gunners mustered 61 attacks, compared to PSG's 26.

The visitor's dominance was quickly rewarded when Declan Rice rose high, but missed his header, and Gabriel Martinelli saw his effort saved by Donnarumma.

Arsenal overwhelmed PSG on the flanks, and went close again in the eighth minute when Martin Odegaard unleashed a low drive from outside the area that forced Donnarumma into another fine save.

PSG had little choice but to wait for chances on the counterattack, and they were few.

An opening finally came in the 17th minute. With some space on the left, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came inside on his right foot and curled one of his trademark pinpoint shots that rattled the post. PSG then failed to capitalize on a poor pass from William Saliba, as Desire Doue could only fire a weak shot straight at Arsenal stopper David Raya.

Arsenal had another opportunity soon after the hour mark, when Saka curled in a precise shot that Donnarumma was able to parry away.

Vitinha then missed a penalty for PSG, after VAR ruled for handball against Myles Lewis-Skelly. It was not long, though, before PSG doubled its lead, as Hakimi swept the ball into the corner from substitute Ousmane Dembele's assist.

Agencies