Paris Saint-Germain claimed a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, with Ousmane Dembele’s early strike giving the French champions the edge at the Emirates Stadium.
Dembele struck in the fourth minute, capping off a sweeping PSG counterattack by converting Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s incisive pass with a clinical finish off the far post. The goal stunned the hosts and ultimately proved decisive, as Luis Enrique’s side produced a composed defensive performance to preserve their lead.
With the second leg set for May 7 at the Parc des Princes, PSG now stand as favourites to reach the final, where they would face either Barcelona or Inter Milan. The club continues its pursuit of a first-ever Champions League title but remains cautious given its past history of dramatic European exits.
“We showed the kind of team we are,” said PSG manager Luis Enrique. “We tried to play our way and scored early. We suffered at times and could have scored a second, but it’s just a small advantage. The second match will be very tough.”
For Arsenal, the defeat marked their first home loss in European competition in 18 matches and dealt a blow to their hopes of lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time. Mikel Arteta’s side had stormed into the semi-finals with a 5-1 aggregate win over defending champions Real Madrid, but they struggled to match that intensity against PSG.
“It’s halftime and we still have a big chance to be in the final,” Arteta said. “We struggled early on to find rhythm, but in the end I was disappointed not to get at least a draw. That’s the level at this stage.”
Despite a charged pre-match atmosphere and a rousing tunnel speech from Declan Rice, Arsenal couldn’t replicate their dominant display from earlier rounds. PSG, who had already eliminated Liverpool, Aston Villa, and mounted a memorable comeback against Manchester City, were more disciplined and complete this time—especially with Dembele back in the lineup after missing October’s 2-0 loss to the Gunners due to suspension.
The tie remains delicately poised, with everything to play for in Paris.
