Paris Saint-Germain took a major step toward the UEFA Champions League final on Tuesday night with a 1-0 away win over Arsenal in the first leg of their semi-final clash.
French winger Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the match in the fourth minute at the Emirates Stadium. After collecting the ball in midfield, he passed it to teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who returned a well-timed ball into the box for Dembele to finish off via the far post.
PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, showed their experience and control as they defended their early lead throughout the match. They’ll head into the return leg on May 7 at the Parc des Princes with a narrow advantage, aiming to reach their second-ever Champions League final.
Arsenal, playing in their first semi-final since 2009, were left frustrated. Despite dominating large periods of the game, they couldn’t break through PSG’s defense or beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made several key saves.
The Gunners had knocked out defending champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and were hoping to continue their dream run. But this time, they couldn’t find the same magic in front of their home fans.
There was no lack of effort. Declan Rice shouted to his teammates in the tunnel before kick-off, “If we don’t have the ball, we die!”—setting the tone for a fiery match. A motivational video from manager Mikel Arteta also played on the stadium screens to fire up supporters.
Still, it was PSG who looked sharper early on. After the goal, they nearly doubled their lead with chances from Marquinhos and Kvaratskhelia. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was kept busy, denying several efforts including one from Desire Doue.
Arsenal’s best chance of the first half came through Gabriel Martinelli, who forced a brilliant save from Donnarumma. In the second half, Mikel Merino thought he had equalised with a header, but VAR ruled him offside. Leandro Trossard also came close but was denied again by the PSG keeper.
PSG slowed the pace of the game in the final minutes and could have added another when Bradley Barcola missed a one-on-one and Goncalo Ramos hit the crossbar.
With just a goal between both sides, the tie remains open—but PSG hold the upper hand heading into the second leg.
Can Arsenal produce a comeback in Paris? All eyes will be on May 7.
