Paris Saint-Germain took a major step towards the UEFA Champions League final with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday. The match, played at the Emirates Stadium, saw PSG’s Ousmane Dembele score early to give the French side a vital away goal.
The goal came just four minutes into the match, when Dembele latched onto a perfectly placed pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. After receiving the ball, Dembele calmly slotted it home off the far post, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with no chance. This early strike set the tone for much of the match, as PSG held firm against Arsenal’s attempts to break them down.
PSG’s defensive resilience was key throughout the game. Despite Arsenal’s high pressing and attacking intent, the French side managed to keep them at bay. The Gunners, despite having moments of pressure, struggled to convert their opportunities. In one notable instance, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli had his shot saved spectacularly by PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma after a brilliant pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The second half saw Arsenal push for an equalizer, but their efforts were thwarted by PSG’s well-organized defense. The Gunners thought they had equalized early in the second half when Mikel Merino headed home a free-kick from Declan Rice. However, a VAR review ruled that Merino was offside, disallowing the goal.
Arsenal’s frustration continued as Leandro Trossard came close to scoring following a great pass from Rice, but Donnarumma was again there to make a crucial save. Even as PSG looked to slow down the game to manage their lead, they almost doubled their advantage. Bradley Barcola had a golden chance to extend the lead but inexplicably missed when he dragged his shot wide with only Raya to beat.
Arsenal’s hopes of a comeback were further dampened when Goncalo Ramos had an opportunity to put the game beyond doubt for PSG, but his shot hit the crossbar from close range.
Despite the missed opportunities, PSG will head into the second leg with a 1-0 advantage, making them the favorites to progress to the final. The match was a reminder of Arsenal’s struggles in the competition, as they suffered their first home defeat in 18 European matches.
For Mikel Arteta’s men, the road to the final is still open, but they will need a strong performance in the second leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7 if they are to keep their dreams of a first Champions League title alive.
