PSG seal dramatic aggregate win over Bayern, set up Arsenal clash (Image: X) Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain FC booked their place in a second successive UEFA Champions League final after holding FC Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw in the semi-final second leg to seal a thrilling 6-5 aggregate victory in Bavaria.Holding a narrow advantage from the first leg, PSG made the perfect start to seal the tie within three minutes. A slick attacking move opened up Bayern’s defense as Fabián Ruiz slipped a perfectly balanced pass into the path of Khvich Kvaratskhelia, who unselfishly headed the ball for Ousmane Dembélé to smash the first-time finish into the net.The early goal stunned the Allianz Arena and left Bayern chasing the game from the start. Vincent Kompany’s side responded strongly, with Luis Díaz and Michael Olise regularly threatening down the wings. Bayern also felt aggrieved when a penalty appeal was turned down after Vitinho’s clearance appeared to hit João Neves inside the box, sparking furious reactions from the home bench.Despite Bayern’s pressure, PSG remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Manuel Neuer produced a superb save to deny João Neves from close range, while at the other end Matvey Safonov came up with an excellent stop to deny Jamal Musial late in the first half. The second period followed a similar pattern, with Bayern dominating possession and PSG showing a defensive discipline and composure that had often eluded them in previous European campaigns.Luis Enrique’s side remained compact under pressure, thwarting Bayern’s ferocious attacks while continuing to threaten with quick transitions. Neuer was forced into more important saves after the break, denying both Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué as PSG looked for a goal that would not decide.Bayern finally found a breakthrough late in the game when Harry Kane unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Safonov for his 14th Champions League goal of the campaign. However, the goal came too late to spark a comeback and ultimately served only as a consolation for the German giants.The result sends PSG into a sensational Champions League final against Arsenal FC in Budapest, where the French champions will attempt to successfully defend their European crown. It will also be the third Champions League final appearance as manager for Luis Enrique, who won the competition with FC Barcelona in 2015 before leading PSG to continental glory last season.
