Paris Saint-Germain took a significant step toward their elusive first Champions League trophy with a well-earned 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
The French champions needed just four minutes to silence the passionate North London crowd when Ousmane Dembele found the net with a clinical finish. The in-form winger latched onto a cutback from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and struck a first-time shot that nestled inside the far post with “pinpoint precision.” NBC Sports
Arsenal, making their first Champions League semi-final appearance in 16 years, struggled to match PSG’s intensity in the opening stages. The visitors’ dominance reflected their remarkable transformation since losing 2-0 at the same venue earlier in the competition, having since evolved into “a formidable force” in European football. ESPN
Mikel Arteta’s side gradually found their footing after a difficult start, creating several promising opportunities to level the score. Both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced spectacular saves from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who proved crucial in preserving the visitors’ advantage.
Arsenal thought they had equalized in the second half when Mikel Merino headed home from a Declan Rice delivery, only for VAR to intervene and rule the effort offside – a devastating blow to the Gunners’ momentum.
Luis Enrique’s tactical approach proved effective throughout, with his midfield trio controlling large portions of the match. PSG players were “relentless in their pressing and hounding of the opposition,” with Vitinha and João Neves particularly impressive as they “barely allowed the Arsenal midfielders space to breathe.” CNN
Despite their slender lead, PSG will perhaps feel they missed chances to put the tie beyond doubt before the return leg. Substitute Bradley Barcola squandered a golden opportunity when clean through on goal, while Gonçalo Ramos struck the crossbar late on.
The result continues PSG’s impressive record against English opposition in this season’s Champions League. Since their October defeat to Arsenal, they have eliminated Manchester City in the league phase, knocked out Liverpool in the round of 16, and dispatched Aston Villa in a thrilling quarter-final. ESPN
Arsenal now face a formidable challenge heading into next Wednesday’s decisive second leg at the Parc des Princes. The Premier League title contenders must overturn this deficit in hostile territory if they hope to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
For PSG, a club whose massive investments have yet to deliver Europe’s top prize, this narrow victory represents a crucial advantage in their quest to finally claim the trophy that has eluded them throughout their history.