On Wednesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain won 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate, PSG/Arsenal video highlights) against Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 semi-final at the Parc des Princes. Here we present you with some of the highlights and lowlights of the team’s qualification for the final (May 31 against Inter Milan).

Tops –

A great team

Despite suffering, despite difficulty, PSG have earned the right to dream of the Cup with the big ears. A full match, especially defensively, they were effective up front and at the back. Let’s be honest, few people thought PSG would be in the final, with this level of play and a real opportunity to win.

Donnarumma

Man of the match for some, he was grandiose. He took PSG to the final, and nobody can take that away from him. He made some superb saves, taking the pressure off his defence. His match testifies to PSG’s revival, a team capable of winning with the ball, but also of winning without it. This team has its faults, but its collective value outweighs its weaknesses.

Hakimi, Neves, Kvaratskhelia, Ruiz, Pacho

It’s hard to name just one or two names, given the team’s ability to bring out the best in its players. Ruiz was enormous in the first half, scoring a goal, Kvara dominated defensively, Neves harassed Arsenal from start to finish and Pacho became the mainstay of the defence. Last but not least, Hakimi, who scored like a striker at the end of the match, gave the Parisians some breathing space. We could have cited others, but it won’t be easy to improve this team, even if we can find areas for improvement.

Flops –

Nuno Mendes’ passes down the middle

If we can’t find fault with PSG’s players, let’s talk about what needs to be improved. Nuno Mendes made a few well-honed passes down the middle. He needs to improve in this area, because if he does, he’ll be untouchable.

Doué or the sin of pride (and youth)

Doué tried too hard individually, even though he clearly ran for the team, to help out, to do violence to himself. He needs to learn to play more simply and gain in consistency, but he’s young.

Marquinhos

The captain mustn’t throw himself into looking for the foul on Saka’s goal. At worst, he should clear the ball into touch. It’s a shame, because he played a good game overall.

Winning without a great Vitinha

Vitinha missed a penalty, and was also less radiant in midfield. The Portuguese is paying for his huge season, but his team-mates were able to keep up. He will have to improve his defensive skills, but above all his consistency.