PSG’s Champions League Dream Nears Reality After Arsenal Victory
Paris Saint-Germain are just one win away from securing their first-ever UEFA Champions League title after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Arsenal. The result, which ensured a 3-1 aggregate triumph in the semi-finals, has sparked immense excitement across France. Fans took to the Champs-Elysees in celebration, a sight that seemed unimaginable just months earlier.
The semi-final win, sealed by goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi at a roaring Parc des Princes, has now set the stage for a final clash with Inter Milan in Munich on May 31. PSG’s journey to the final is a validation of their strategic shift away from assembling squads of global superstars and toward cultivating a younger, more cohesive team under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique.
Transformation Under Luis Enrique Proves Effective
For years, PSG under their Qatari ownership had consistently fallen short during crucial Champions League moments. Their inability to convert domestic dominance into European success led to criticism that the club lacked identity beyond its star power. However, under Luis Enrique, appointed in 2023, PSG have undergone a significant transformation.
The Spanish coach, known for his tactical intelligence and ability to build disciplined squads, took over during a transitional phase for the club. PSG had just parted ways with Lionel Messi, Neymar, and shortly after, Kylian Mbappe. Despite these high-profile departures, Enrique began building a new identity focused on unity, energy, and intensity.
This season, PSG’s campaign initially looked bleak. They lost three of their first five group-stage matches and appeared on the brink of elimination. But the second half of the season brought a resurgence. The young squad, supported by a few experienced leaders, began to find form and consistency, culminating in this emphatic victory over Arsenal.
Youth Over Superstars Defines This Campaign
What makes PSG’s rise this season particularly impressive is the makeup of their squad. Against Arsenal, six of the starting players were 24 years old or younger. The most senior member of the starting lineup was captain Marquinhos, aged 30. This youthful core has played with hunger and energy, a far cry from the star-laden sides of previous seasons.
Their success is further highlighted by their path to the final. PSG have overcome four Premier League teams since January—Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and now Arsenal. These victories represent a gauntlet of English football’s best, and PSG have emerged with a new-found confidence that could finally lead them to glory.
Meanwhile, their upcoming final opponents Inter Milan feature a far more experienced squad. Their semifinal win against Barcelona included three players aged 36 or older. The contrast between the two finalists is stark—one powered by youth and momentum, the other by experience and stability.
Celebrations Turn Chaotic in French Capital
Following their win, Paris erupted in celebration. Fans crowded the Champs-Elysees and other parts of the city in joyous scenes, embracing the possibility that PSG could finally capture the one trophy that has eluded them. However, as the night progressed, the celebrations descended into sporadic violence in some areas, requiring intervention from law enforcement.
These celebrations reflect not just the importance of the result, but also the emotional journey of the supporters. PSG fans have endured years of heartbreak in Europe. This triumph, particularly in such dramatic fashion, has given them reason to believe.
Mbappe’s Departure Marked a New Era
Kylian Mbappe’s exit after last season’s semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund marked a turning point. The all-time top scorer for PSG chose to move on, reportedly aiming to win the Champions League with Real Madrid. At that time, PSG looked adrift, lacking direction and an identity beyond its departing stars.
But Enrique used that moment to begin a rebuild. “The coach has gone step by step,” said Marquinhos in an interview with Canal Plus. “He saw a lot of things needed to be improved. The DNA needed changing, a mentality needed to be put in place, and it wasn’t going to be done overnight.”
Indeed, one of the defining features of this PSG side is their commitment to collective play. In contrast to past teams built around superstar forwards who often neglected defensive duties, this team presses high and defends as a unit. It’s an identity that has turned them from a source of ridicule into a respected contender.
Hard Work Replaces Individual Brilliance
Marquinhos highlighted the rigorous demands of playing under Enrique. “The coach says it is very difficult to be an attacking player in his team because you need to put in a lot of effort,” he said. “When you play in a collective manner like that you get so much confidence. It comes down to hard work as well as the quality of the players.”
The players have bought into Enrique’s philosophy, and the results are evident. PSG are not just winning, but winning convincingly against Europe’s elite. Their transformation also brings emotional weight. “It makes us think about all we have experienced, all the scars,” said Marquinhos. “Some guys have just arrived, maybe they don’t know how difficult it is to get this far.”
Spending Remains High But Strategic
While PSG may have turned away from buying high-profile individuals for name recognition, their investment levels remain significant. The club has spent over 600 million euros in the past two years. The difference now is that the money has been spent more wisely.
One of the standout acquisitions was Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, brought in from Napoli during the January transfer window. The Georgian winger has added dynamism to PSG’s attack and contributed to their late-season surge.
The combination of youthful enthusiasm, experienced leadership, and strategic recruitment has made PSG serious contenders. The club no longer appears as a vanity project but as a well-constructed footballing outfit.
A Historic Final Awaits in Munich
The upcoming final in Munich will mark PSG’s second Champions League final appearance. Their first came in 2020, when they lost to Bayern Munich behind closed doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, the stakes feel even higher.
The match will also carry symbolic weight. The only French club to have won the Champions League was Marseille, who did so in Munich in 1993. That victory came against AC Milan, the city rivals of PSG’s current opponent, Inter.
Enrique, reflecting on the upcoming match, acknowledged Inter’s pedigree. “Let’s not forget it is their second final in three years which shows they are an established team,” he said. “They obviously have more experience, not only with the players they have but also as a club.”
“But we have dreamt since we came here of having the opportunity to play these finals and win trophies,” he added.
Unique Final Without Spain, Germany, or England
This year’s final is also unique in European football history. For the first time since 2004, there will be no representatives from Spain, England, or Germany—three traditional powerhouses in the competition. That year, Porto defeated Monaco in a surprise final.
Interestingly, PSG are now hoping to avoid repeating Monaco’s fate of losing in a Champions League final in Germany. The historical parallels are impossible to ignore, but PSG have the talent and momentum to write a new chapter.
Enrique, who led Barcelona to Champions League glory a decade ago, is once again within touching distance of European football’s most prestigious prize. “Everyone wants to win the Champions League, all 36 teams, but only a very small number can do so,” he said. “Our objective is to make history and we still have one more step to go.”
A Defining Moment for Club and Coach
As PSG prepare for their second Champions League final in five seasons, the club’s transformation under Luis Enrique stands as one of the most compelling stories in recent football memory. From early-season struggles and the departure of key figures to stunning wins over Europe’s best, PSG have redefined themselves.
They now stand 90 minutes away from the one prize that has remained elusive. If they succeed, it won’t just be a victory for the club—it will be a validation of a philosophy that prioritizes unity, work ethic, and a shared vision over superstardom.
The match in Munich could be historic, not just for PSG, but for French football. Whether it ends in heartbreak or glory, PSG’s journey to this point has already reshaped perceptions, setting a new standard for how big clubs can succeed in Europe.
