UCL Semi-Final First Leg: PSG Edge Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates

Paris Saint-Germain secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night, thanks to an early goal from Ousmane Dembele.

Early Advantage for PSG

PSG struck just four minutes into the match at the Emirates Stadium. Ousmane Dembele initiated and finished a slick attacking move after collecting the ball in the center circle and linking up with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger drove at Jurrien Timber before threading a perfect return pass to Dembele, who finished clinically off the far post.

Arsenal Struggle to Respond

The French champions maintained their lead with a composed and disciplined performance, frustrating an Arsenal side that had dismantled Real Madrid in the previous round. Despite the rousing pre-match atmosphere—including a motivational tunnel speech from Declan Rice and a video message from manager Mikel Arteta—Arsenal failed to replicate the intensity that saw them defeat Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the quarter-final.

Arteta’s men were handed their first home European loss in 18 matches, delivering a blow to their hopes of securing a first-ever Champions League title.

Missed Chances on Both Ends

PSG continued to press after their opener, with Marquinhos narrowly missing a header and Kvaratskhelia seeing a strong penalty appeal waved away. Dembele also set up Desire Doue, whose low effort was parried by David Raya.

Arsenal’s best first-half chance came when Gabriel Martinelli latched onto a brilliant pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly, only to be denied by a stunning save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Just after the break, Mikel Merino thought he had equalised, but his header from Rice’s free-kick was ruled out by VAR for offside.

Leandro Trossard came close as well, bursting into the box only for Donnarumma to once again come to PSG’s rescue with a fingertip save.

PSG Hold Firm, but Waste Opportunities

As Arsenal pushed forward, PSG slowed the tempo and nearly doubled their lead. Substitute Bradley Barcola broke free but missed a clear one-on-one opportunity, dragging his shot wide. Moments later, Goncalo Ramos smashed the ball against the bar from close range, leaving manager Luis Enrique visibly frustrated.

With a 1-0 lead in hand, PSG head back to the Parc des Princes for the second leg on May 7, now favourites to reach the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan. Still, their history of dramatic Champions League exits means they will approach with caution.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s “beautiful story,” as described by Arteta, faces a tense second chapter in Paris—but the tie is far from over.