Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed a slender advantage in their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie with a 1-0 first-leg win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to an early goal from Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele found the net just four minutes into the clash, capitalizing on a slick move started by himself and finished with a clinical strike off the far post after receiving a well-timed pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The goal stunned the home crowd and set the tone for a tense night in north London.
Luis Enrique’s side maintained their composure throughout the match, holding Arsenal at bay with a disciplined defensive display. The French champions now head into the second leg on May 7 at the Parc des Princes with a narrow lead and the hope of reaching the final, where they could face either Barcelona or Inter Milan. However, Enrique warned against overconfidence, citing PSG’s history of dramatic European exits.
“We showed the kind of team we are,” said Enrique. “We scored early, could’ve had a second, and now we must prepare for a very tough second leg.”
The loss marked Arsenal’s first home defeat in European competition in 18 matches, casting a shadow over their dream of winning their first-ever Champions League title. Mikel Arteta, though disappointed, struck an optimistic tone after the match.
“We struggled in the first 15 minutes but improved. I’m disappointed not to get a draw,” said Arteta. “It’s only half-time. We still have a big chance.”
Arsenal, who previously dismantled Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate, couldn’t replicate that performance. Though they had moments of promise, they were repeatedly thwarted by PSG’s defense and the goalkeeping heroics of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Gabriel Martinelli came close before halftime, and Mikel Merino briefly thought he had equalised early in the second half—only for VAR to disallow the goal due to offside. Leandro Trossard and others tested Donnarumma, but the Italian keeper remained unbreached.
PSG missed chances to extend their lead, most notably through Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos, who both wasted golden opportunities late in the match. Barcola shot wide with only the keeper to beat, while Ramos struck the crossbar from close range.
Despite those misses, PSG return home with a vital away win and the upper hand heading into the second leg, where both sides will fight for a place in the final.
