Paris Saint-Germain seized the advantage in their Champions League semi-final tie with a 1-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to an early strike from Ousmane Dembélé and a commanding display from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The result leaves Arsenal facing a daunting task in the return leg at the Parc des Princes.
The French champions took control from the outset, displaying the kind of fluid, attacking football that has won them admirers across Europe this season. Their opening goal came in just the fourth minute, as Dembélé surged through midfield before combining with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The winger returned the ball to Dembélé, who fired a low shot through a crowded box, the ball clipping the far post on its way in.
For the first 35 minutes, PSG dominated possession and played with sharp, intricate movement, their front trio of Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué causing constant problems. Vitinha orchestrated proceedings from midfield, while Arsenal struggled to build from the back under the pressure of PSG’s relentless pressing.
Despite being second best for much of the first half, Arsenal had their chances. Bukayo Saka provided a spark late in the half, and just before the break, Myles Lewis-Skelly set up Gabriel Martinelli, who found himself one-on-one with Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper came out on top, producing a crucial block.
PSG themselves had opportunities to extend their lead. Kvaratskhelia forced a save from David Raya, while Doué unleashed a powerful shot that tested the Arsenal keeper again. The visitors were fluid and aggressive, but lacked the killer edge to put the tie beyond reach.
In the second half, Arsenal showed more intensity and began to push higher up the pitch. Mikel Merino had a goal ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check following a Declan Rice free-kick. The decision was met with frustration from players and fans alike.
Arsenal’s best chance to equalize came when Rice powered forward and slipped a perfect pass through to Leandro Trossard. The Belgian raced in on goal, but again Donnarumma stood tall, getting down smartly to push the shot away. It was a reminder of his growing stature in European football and a key factor in preserving PSG’s lead.
Tensions rose as the game progressed. William Saliba made a crucial tackle on Achraf Hakimi inside the Arsenal area, while at the other end, Saka was booked for protesting after being denied a clear run at goal following minimal contact.
In the closing stages, PSG threatened again on the counter. João Neves missed a clear chance, Bradley Barcola dragged his shot wide when through on goal, and Gonçalo Ramos struck the crossbar after finding himself one-on-one with Raya.
For Arsenal, the match was a missed opportunity to seize control in front of their home crowd. The tie is far from over, but the Premier League side will need something special in Paris if they are to reach their first-ever Champions League final. The challenge is steep, but the dream remains alive.
