Paris Saint-Germain took a significant step toward their first UEFA Champions League final since 2020 with a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
An electric start saw French winger Ousmane Dembélé score the game’s only goal in the 4th minute. The assist came from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whose sharp diagonal run and pinpoint pass split Arsenal’s defense wide open. Dembélé fired a precise shot past David Raya, silencing the North London crowd early.
PSG’s tactical discipline and midfield cohesion proved decisive. The trio of Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, and João Neves controlled the tempo, breaking up Arsenal’s rhythm and nullifying key creative outlets such as Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal’s frustrations were compounded by an uncharacteristically quiet performance from Saka, who was limited by PSG’s press and the defensive lapses of Jurrien Timber behind him. Timber struggled to deal with Kvaratskhelia’s movement, committing multiple fouls that handed PSG further control.
Despite the early deficit, Arsenal created chances. Mikel Merino had a close-range finish ruled offside, and both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, who remained alert and commanding in goal.
Criticism was also directed at the home support. Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor called Arsenal’s pre-match tifo “embarrassing,” suggesting the Emirates lacked the fire and passion expected at this stage of the competition.
“We have a second chance in Paris,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said post-match. “This tie is far from over.”
With the second leg scheduled for May 7 at the Parc des Princes, Arsenal must overturn the deficit to keep their European dreams alive. Thomas Partey is expected to return, potentially allowing Declan Rice to push further forward.
The winner of this semi-final will face either Inter Milan or Barcelona in the Champions League final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31.
