Paris Saint-Germain took a significant step towards their maiden Champions League crown with a hard-fought 1-0 away win over Arsenal in the first leg of their semi-final clash on Tuesday night.

Ousmane Dembele was the hero for the Parisians, scoring a superb early goal that silenced the Emirates Stadium and gave PSG the upper hand heading into the return leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7.

It was a composed and tactically disciplined performance from Luis Enrique’s men, who resisted wave after wave of Arsenal pressure to preserve their narrow advantage. The result leaves the French champions in pole position to advance to the final, where they would meet either Barcelona or Inter Milan.

But with PSG's history of high-profile European heartbreaks, few will be counting chickens just yet.

For Arsenal, this was a painful setback — their first home defeat in 18 European outings and a harsh blow to their dreams of lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time. Having crushed defending champions Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, the Gunners had hoped for more of the same.

Manager Mikel Arteta had described the team’s run as a “beautiful story,” but Tuesday's chapter offered a sharp twist. Yet, with 90 minutes left to play, hope is far from lost in north London.

The atmosphere was electric at the Emirates. In the tunnel before kick-off, Declan Rice fired up his teammates, rallying them with the cry: "If we don’t have the ball, we die!" A passionate video message from Arteta to fans echoed around the stadium, calling on the home crowd to lift the team.

But PSG were unfazed. Having already eliminated Premier League giants Liverpool and Aston Villa — and staged a dramatic comeback against Manchester City in the group stage — the French side arrived in London with quiet confidence.

The absence of Dembele due to suspension had cost PSG in their 2-0 loss to Arsenal earlier this season. This time, he made his presence count within minutes.

Collecting the ball near the centre circle, Dembele initiated a swift counter, passing to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who charged at Jurrien Timber. Dembele continued his run into the box, and Kvaratskhelia returned the favour with a precise pass. The Frenchman met it with a clinical finish that clipped the post on its way in — PSG were ahead after just four minutes.

From there, PSG pressed their advantage. Marquinhos came close with a header from an Achraf Hakimi cross, while Kvaratskhelia tormented Timber and was denied a penalty shout after being hauled back in the box.

Dembele remained a constant threat, setting up Desire Doue for a low drive that tested David Raya's reflexes.

Arsenal did find openings. Myles Lewis-Skelly split the PSG defence with a brilliant pass to Gabriel Martinelli, but the Brazilian’s effort was superbly saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The Gunners thought they’d equalised early in the second half when Mikel Merino nodded in from a Rice free-kick. But celebrations were short-lived as VAR flagged the Spaniard offside.

Arsenal continued to push. Leandro Trossard nearly found the net when Rice slipped him through, but once again Donnarumma came to PSG's rescue with a fingertip save.

Sensing Arsenal's growing momentum, PSG slowed the tempo and focused on game management. Their plan almost paid off handsomely when Bradley Barcola burst through on goal only to miss the target. Goncalo Ramos also came agonisingly close, rattling the crossbar late on.

In the end, Dembele’s early strike proved decisive. As the final whistle blew, PSG’s players knew the job was only half done — but a vital advantage was secured.

The return leg in Paris promises drama, tension, and perhaps, a historic night for either side.


By WafricNews Sport Desk | April 29, 2025