Paris St Germain are heading to a second consecutive Champions League final, this time powered by a blend of defensive grit and individual brilliance.
After a 5-4 win in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, PSG traveled to the Allianz Arena expecting a test. They got one, but struck early to seize control.
In the third minute, Fabian Ruiz slipped a pass to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger cut the ball back for Ousmane Dembele, who rifled a first-time finish past Manuel Neuer.
Manager Luis Enrique has built this team on collective intensity rather than star power. But individuals like Dembele and Kvaratskhelia are defining this era.
Dembele's finish was the decisive moment, though he had only 20 touches and was substituted after the hour. Kvaratskhelia, by contrast, was relentless: winning 11 of 15 duels, completing six of seven dribbles, and recording 56 touches in a game spent largely defending and countering.
Kvaratskhelia has now contributed to a goal in seven consecutive Champions League knockout matches-the first player to do so since the round of 16 was introduced in 2003. He has 10 goals and six assists in the competition this season.
PSG will face Arsenal in the final in Budapest on May 30, seeking to become the first team to retain the trophy since Real Madrid's three-peat from 2016 to 2018.