Paris Saint-Germain took a crucial step towards the UEFA Champions League final with a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Ousmane Dembélé’s early strike separated the sides, giving the French champions a slender advantage ahead of the return leg in Paris.
Dembele Strikes Early to Silence the Emirates
The clash began at a frenetic pace, and it took PSG just four minutes to take the lead. Ousmane Dembélé, who has been in scintillating form throughout the season, fired home clinically after a lapse in Arsenal’s defence. The goal gave Luis Enrique’s side a dream start and stunned the home crowd into silence.
Despite the early setback, Arsenal gradually found their rhythm. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both came close to equalising, only to be denied by two world-class saves from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Tactical Shifts and Missed Opportunities
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed post-match that he made a crucial tactical adjustment after the opening 15 minutes, which helped his side gain control of the midfield battle. However, he lamented the fine margins that ultimately decided the game.
“We had one issue. We corrected it after 15 minutes and we turned the game around,” Arteta said. “We had two one-on-ones with Donnarumma and if they go in, it’s a different story. But that’s the Champions League—the margins are so small.”
PSG also had golden chances to extend their lead in the second half, with Gonçalo Ramos hitting the crossbar and Bradley Barcola missing from close range. While Arsenal enjoyed more possession and created quality opportunities, the Parisians held firm.
Arteta’s Rallying Cry: ‘Do Something Special in Paris’
Despite the defeat, Arteta remains confident that Arsenal can turn the tie around in the second leg on May 7 at the Parc des Princes. The Gunners famously dismantled Real Madrid 3-0 in the quarter-final first leg and will need a similarly spirited performance in Paris.
“We are at half-time, and my message is exactly the same as it was after we beat Real Madrid,” Arteta added. “If you want to win the Champions League, you have to do something special—and we’re going to have to do something special in Paris.”
The Spanish coach, aiming to take Arsenal to their first Champions League final since 2006, highlighted the character and belief within his squad.
Luis Enrique Wary of Arsenal Threat
PSG manager Luis Enrique, who has guided his team past Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester City in this campaign, acknowledged the danger Arsenal still pose.
“There was an incredible atmosphere, but we got off to a wonderful start and the early goal gave us confidence,” Enrique said. “With Arsenal, we cannot let our guard down. They can score quickly and completely rewrite the story in a second.”
Despite having the upper hand, Enrique made it clear that PSG’s mission is far from over.
“Nothing is in the bag. We need to win at home because Arsenal now have nothing to lose,” he concluded.
What’s Next: Second Leg Set for May 7
Arsenal travel to Paris knowing they need at least one goal to keep their Champions League dreams alive. Having knocked out European giants PSV and Real Madrid in earlier rounds, the Gunners are no strangers to high-pressure situations.
PSG, meanwhile, are eyeing their first Champions League title and will look to capitalise on their first-leg advantage in front of a home crowd.
