Munich, May 7 (HS): Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) advanced to the UEFA Champions League final with a 6-5 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich after drawing 1-1 in the second leg of the semi-final at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

Luis Enrique's team, which secured a thrilling 5-4 lead in the first leg in Paris last week, maintained their advantage. Ousmane Dembélé struck early to further solidify PSG's aggregate lead, while Bayern Munich's Harry Kane scored in extra time but could not find the second goal needed to force penalties.

Dembélé opened the scoring in the third minute with a brilliant shot off a pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, doubling PSG's aggregate advantage. In the second half, Bayern's Manuel Neuer made crucial saves on shots from Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué, keeping his team's hopes alive. Kane netted his 14th tournament goal in the fourth minute of extra time, but it proved too late.

PSG will now face Premier League leaders Arsenal in the final on May 30 in Budapest. The Allianz Arena is the same venue where PSG defeated Inter Milan last year to claim their first Champions League title. The French champions aim to become only the second team since Real Madrid in 1990 to win back-to-back titles.

Bayern Munich, six-time European champions, expressed frustration with several referee decisions in the first half and struggled to create clear chances. Since defeating PSG in the 2020 Lisbon final, they have failed to reach another final.

PSG's defensive resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive in this high-stakes encounter, setting up an eagerly anticipated final against Arsenal.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar