LONDON — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) left England with another triumphant performance, positioning themselves tantalizingly close to a second Champions League final. On Tuesday, PSG secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their semifinal encounter, thanks to an early strike by Ousmane Dembele. The margin could have been wider had it not been for a pair of missed opportunities toward the end.
“It was a fantastic evening,” PSG midfielder Vitinha commented. “Although we could have added more goals, we’re content with our 1-0 advantage and remain determined to reach the final.”
Having previously ousted Premier League champions Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds, PSG displayed dominance over Arsenal, a team against whom they fell 2-0 during the group stage in October.
This emerging PSG squad has evolved considerably since then, and once more demonstrated their capability in the absence of superstar Kylian Mbappe, whose current team, Real Madrid, suffered a 3-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium during their quarterfinal matchup. Undeterred by past outcomes, PSG took the initiative against Arsenal immediately. Dembele broke the deadlock in the fourth minute, expertly connecting with a pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to finesse the ball in off the far post.
This goal was preceded by 26 uninterrupted passes, marking a new high for PSG in a Champions League setting since at least the 2003-04 season, according to data from Opta.
“We illustrated the kind of squad we are,” PSG coach Luis Enrique stated. “We adhered to our game plan and secured an early goal by executing our strategy.”
For Arsenal, this marked their initial Champions League semifinal since 2009, and they appeared overwhelmed without the sidelined midfielder Thomas Partey. PSG’s swift transitions left the home side struggling, with the visitors leading comfortably in the first half.
“They started strongly with an early goal and were in control for the first 15-20 minutes,” Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya remarked. “However, it’s only halftime, and we found positives to build on.”
Kvaratskhelia was a constant threat to Arsenal, narrowly missing a penalty appeal in the 17th minute and forcing a save from David Raya in the 26th. Raya accomplished an even more impressive save in the 31st minute, denying a powerful effort from Desire Doue, as PSG consistently appeared more menacing.
Elsewhere, Gianluigi Donnarumma thwarted Arsenal’s aspirations for an equalizer just before halftime, making a nimble one-handed save from Gabriel Martinelli’s attempt.
Under the gaze of former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, the Gunners rallied after the break. Mikel Merino seemed to equalize quickly as he headed in a Declan Rice free-kick, only for the goal to be annulled by VAR due to offside.
Donnarumma, instrumental in PSG’s victories over Liverpool and Aston Villa, again showcased his agility by deflecting a low shot from Leandro Trossard in the 56th minute, though this was Arsenal’s closest attempt on goal.
“That’s the role of a goalkeeper, right? To save the team,” Luis Enrique explained. “Our training prepares them for moments like these.”
PSG reserves Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos had late opportunities to widen the lead but failed to capitalize, with Barcola narrowly missing and Ramos striking the crossbar. Arsenal, therefore, remains in contention ahead of next week’s second leg in Paris.
“We must go to Paris with the goal of victory. We’re more than capable of achieving it,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta encouraged. “To reach the Champions League final, extraordinary effort is required. We must produce something special in Paris.”
Both clubs are competing for their first Champions League trophy, with PSG having reached but lost the final stage last year against Borussia Dortmund and in 2020 against Bayern Munich. Conversely, Arsenal was defeated by Barcelona in the 2006 final.
In the other semifinal clash, Barcelona is set to take on Inter Milan on Wednesday.