New Delhi: Paris Saint-Germain took a significant step toward reaching their second-ever Champions League final after edging past Arsenal 1-0 in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Ousmane Dembele’s early goal proved decisive in a game where both teams had their moments but PSG’s defensive resilience and early clinical edge saw them leave North London with a valuable lead.
The French side, who have already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa on their way to this stage, showed their maturity and discipline, soaking up Arsenal’s pressure and creating several big chances of their own. Dembele’s impact was immediate, starting and finishing a flowing move in the fourth minute. He played the ball wide to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and then continued his run into the box, eventually finding space to slot home via the far post.
Ousmane Dembélé with the first-time finish 😮💨@Heineken | #UCLGOTD pic.twitter.com/lnNCbRwB12
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 29, 2025
Despite Arsenal pushing hard for an equaliser, Gianluigi Donnarumma stood tall, making crucial saves first from Gabriel Martinelli before the break, and later denying Leandro Trossard in the second half. PSG could have extended their lead late on but misses from Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos kept the score at just one.
Arteta reflects on missed chances
For Arsenal, it was a frustrating evening and their first home defeat in European competition after 17 unbeaten matches at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta admitted his side struggled early on but felt they deserved more from the game.
“We couldn’t get into our rhythm in the opening stages and that cost us,” said Arteta. “In the end, I think we were unfortunate not to get at least a draw. These are the margins at this level.”
Arsenal looked a shadow of the side that had dismantled Real Madrid earlier in the tournament. Although Myles Lewis-Skelly’s pass to Martinelli offered a golden opportunity and Mikel Merino thought he had equalised only for VAR to intervene, the Gunners just couldn’t find the breakthrough they needed.
What next?
With the return leg set for May 7 at the Parc des Princes, the tie remains finely balanced. PSG will feel confident playing at home with a lead, but they know better than anyone that nothing is guaranteed in Europe especially with Arsenal still very much in the fight.
Arteta’s men will need to rediscover the spark that took them this far. The story isn’t over yet, but it’s PSG who currently hold the lead.
PSG take a narrow advantage to Paris after Ousmane Dembele’s early goal sinks Arsenal in a tense Champions League semi-final first leg clash. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
