The Italian goalkeeper of PSG has become a real nightmare for British teams in Europe. And in the last two semi -finals, he continued to show the level of a temple guard knowing how to decide the fate of the match.
It can be said that, in two matches between the elite representative of London and Paris, Donnarumma is the most outstanding individual. In the first leg in London, England had two levels of salvation to reject the goal of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. In the second leg full of tensions, he once again became obstacles that Arsenal could not overcome.
“Sometimes you have to clap for the opponent,” coach Mikel Arteta sadly admitted after the match. “What their goalkeeper can do – not only in this match but in both matches – brought about them.
If you just look at the physique is impressive enough – Donnarumma is 1m96 tall and not fumbling – the way he moves with a speedy reflex is even more amazing. In the 4th minute, he rushed out as fast as lightning to block the close shot of Martinelli. Only 4 minutes later, he poured him extremely fast to the left to stop the dangerous kick from outside the penalty area of Martin Odegaard.
The most impressive saving phase is probably Bukayo Saka’s remote shot in the second half. That kick went with extremely strong force, flying straight into the high corner, but Donnarumma once again flew accurately as predicted all.
For Saka, that moment certainly recalled the most bitter memory of his career – the penalty shootout was blocked by Donnarumma in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
Saka could be somewhat comforted when he scored against PSG in the second leg – a close goal – but it was undeniable that Donnarumma won completely in the fight against Arsenal’s attack.
The irony is that, just a few months ago, the Italian goalkeeper almost lost the main capture at PSG. Before the trip to Anfield in the 1/8 round, the PSG leadership had considered his elimination from the starting lineup, because of the erratic performance and personal mistakes.
Indeed, Donnarumma’s career in PSG is not always as brilliant as the recent series. His foot skills are still weak, and he has repeatedly collapsed in big moments. His future at Parc des Princes is still not sure, despite the heroic role in the journey to the Champions League final in Munich.
But all of that is not important for Saka, Trossard, Odegaard or Martinelli. What they know is: they just confronted a goalkeeper, most of the time of this match, simply could not be defeated.
Arsenal has created more than 5 expected goals (XG) in 2 matches – significantly higher than 3 XG of PSG – but only 1 goal scored. Partly because they finish not sharp, but mostly because of Donnarumma – the monster held the goal – sealed their European dreams.
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