AFCON 2025
Mikel Arteta shared that Paris Saint-Germain’s coaching staff admitted Arsenal outplayed them in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final defeat at the Parc des Princes.
Despite the Gunners’ valiant effort, they couldn’t overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at the Emirates. Arsenal came out firing, creating early chances, only to be thwarted by the brilliance of PSG’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG capitalized on their opportunities, with Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi scoring on either side of halftime to give Luis Enrique’s side a commanding lead. Arsenal fought back bravely, pulling one back through Bukayo Saka, but their hopes were dashed as they fell to a 3-1 defeat on aggregate.
The result stung for Arteta, who firmly believed his team was superior for much of the tie.
“First, congratulations to PSG for reaching the final,” Arteta told TNT Sports. “The assessment I will make when I am a little cooler, but the feedback I got straight away from their bench is that we were much better than them.
“When you look at the two games, their best player on the pitch has been the goalkeeper; he has been the difference for them in the tie.
“We were very close, much closer than the result showed, but unfortunately, we are out. I am very proud of the players.”
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