Arsenal's hopes of reaching the Champions League final took a hit on April 29, 2025, as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Emirates Stadium. The match started ominously for the Gunners when Ousmane Dembele found the net just four minutes into the game, sending a powerful shot that hit the post and bounced over the line, silencing the home crowd.
Despite the early setback, Arsenal showed resilience and gradually settled into the match. Goalkeeper David Raya, who was a standout performer for the Gunners, expressed confidence in his team's ability to overturn the deficit in the second leg, stating, "It's only half-time, we take positives. They are a top team but credit to the players for the effort. We could have won the game."
After PSG's initial dominance, which lasted about 20 minutes, Arsenal began to assert themselves. Raya noted, "They started quickly with a goal and dominated the first 15 or 20 minutes but after that, we dominated most of the game, created the chances. Donnarumma made some good saves."
Indeed, Gianluigi Donnarumma was crucial for PSG, making several key saves to preserve their lead. Both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli were denied by the Italian goalkeeper, who showcased his reflexes throughout the match. Trossard's low strike was particularly impressive, but Donnarumma's intervention kept Arsenal from equalizing.
Arsenal had a legitimate goal disallowed in the second half when Mikel Merino found the net, only for VAR to rule it offside after a lengthy check. This moment was a significant turning point, as it could have shifted the momentum firmly in Arsenal's favor. Raya reflected on the chances created by his side, saying, "We showed we can win the away game. We're going there to win the game."
PSG, while effective in their early pressure, failed to capitalize on their chances to extend the lead. Bradley Barcola fired narrowly wide and Goncalo Ramos struck the bar late in the game, leaving the French side to settle for a one-goal advantage.
As Arsenal prepares for the return leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7, they will welcome back Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey from suspension. His return is expected to bolster the midfield, allowing Declan Rice to adopt a more attacking role. Raya emphasized the team's belief, stating, "We know they keep possession a lot and are good at that. We had chances to score but we didn't manage to."
Arsenal's defeat marked their first loss at home in 18 European matches, a streak that dated back several years. This statistic adds pressure as they head into the second leg as underdogs, needing to score at least once to have a chance of advancing to the final.
Looking back at the match, Raya's performance stood out, earning him an 8 out of 10 rating from various sports analysts. He was noted for his quick reflexes and ability to handle the pressure from PSG's attacking players. His composure will be vital in the high-stakes environment of the upcoming match in Paris.
Meanwhile, Vitinha, a midfielder for PSG, praised his team's performance, stating, "It was a great night. It was a very good performance today from the team. We controlled the game with the ball. We had to adapt to different circumstances and we did it."
As the teams prepare for the second leg, the stakes could not be higher. Arsenal's path to their first Champions League title is fraught with challenges, but their performance in the second half of the first leg offers a glimmer of hope. With Raya at the helm and a few tactical adjustments, the Gunners will aim to defy the odds and secure a spot in the final.
The upcoming clash in Paris is set to be a thrilling encounter, as Arsenal looks to build on their recent successes, including their impressive victory over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. The Gunners have proven they can win away from home, and as Raya stated, "We have to approach the game the same way. We played well, we put them on the back foot and hurt them." The stage is set for a captivating second leg, as Arsenal seeks to turn the tide against PSG.
