"We are the farmers league."

PSG won 2-1 against Arsenal in the second leg of the semifinals of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League held at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on the 8th (Korea time).

After securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg away game with a decisive goal from Ousmane Dembélé, PSG added two more goals on this day, advancing to the final with a total score of 3-1.

With this, PSG now challenges for its first Champions League title in club history. The opponent in the final is Inter Milan, who secured victory after a fierce battle with FC Barcelona on the 7th.

In this match, PSG deployed a 4-3-3 formation. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola formed the front line, while Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and João Neves held the midfield. Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, and Marquinhos set up the back four. Gianluigi Donnarumma guarded the goal. Lee Kang-in remained on the bench.

Arsenal also opted for a 4-3-3 formation. Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino, and Bukayo Saka formed the attacking trio, while Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Ødegaard filled the midfield. Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, and Jurrien Timber made up the back four, and David Raya donned the goalkeeper gloves.

The early momentum was led by Arsenal. Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka led active attacks, and in the 8th minute of the first half, Ødegaard's shot was blocked by goalkeeper Donnarumma, allowing PSG to escape a scoring threat.

Afterwards, PSG replied with a swift counterattack, and in the 27th minute of the first half, Fabian Ruiz scored the opener with a powerful long-range shot from a free kick situation.

In the second half, Arsenal began to fight back, but the trend did not change. In the 27th minute of the second half, substitute Dembélé assisted Hakimi's goal, extending the gap to 2-0. Arsenal's Leandro Trossard and Saka fought hard, scoring a goal in the 31st minute, but they could not add another, ultimately falling short. This marks PSG's return to the Champions League final after five years.

After the match, France's 'Get Football News France' reported on the words of coach Luis Enrique. In an interview with Britain's 'TNT Sports', Enrique said, "This final berth means a lot to all of us. Our first goal after coming to Paris was to do something historic, and now we are on that path."

When asked about the achievements against Premier League teams this season, Coach Enrique humorously mixed in a joke. PSG defeated Manchester City 4-2 in the group phase of the Champions League this season and overcame Liverpool in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Aston Villa with a total score of 5-4 and have now completely dominated Arsenal in this semifinal, making it to the final by defeating all Premier League teams.

British media and fans who hold the Premier League often mockingly refer to leagues other than the Premier League, such as Bundesliga and Ligue 1, as the 'farmers league.' It is a derogatory term that implies low-level football played by people who farm during the day and play at night.

Coach Enrique said, "Everyone says, Ligue 1 is the 'farmers league.' That’s exactly us. The 'farmers league' turned Manchester City over 4-2, and defeated Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal as well. While the results themselves are good, the praise we receive from everyone talking about our team is even better," he said with a smile.

Enrique's joke contains his pride in himself and the team. PSG, having repaid criticism and prejudice with achievements, is now just one step away from the summit of Europe.

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