Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from their first-leg defeat in the Champions League semi-finals when they take on Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The Parisians have picked up a one-goal advantage from their 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of Ousmane Dembele's fourth-minute strike in last week's opening leg.
As the Gunners prepare for this crucial encounter, they know they must overturn the deficit to secure a place in the Champions League final for only the second time in their history. With the stakes higher than ever, Mikel Arteta's side is determined to deliver a performance that could etch their names in the annals of European football.
Kick-off for the match is set for 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET, and it will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK, with coverage starting at 7:00 PM. Fans in the US can catch the action on Paramount+, while viewers in Ireland can watch for free on RTÉ. Streaming options will also be available through Discovery+ for those looking to follow the match online.
In their route to the semi-finals, Arsenal finished third in the league phase with a record of six wins, one draw, and one loss. They advanced past PSV in the last-16 with a 9-3 aggregate score before overcoming Real Madrid 5-1 in the quarter-finals. Conversely, PSG's journey has been less straightforward, finishing 15th in their league phase with four wins, one draw, and three losses. They edged past Brest with a dominant 10-0 aggregate in the playoff round, followed by a tense penalty shootout victory over Liverpool after a 1-1 aggregate in the last-16, and a narrow 5-4 win against Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.
Team news ahead of the match sees Arsenal welcoming back Thomas Partey, who missed the first leg due to suspension. However, the Gunners will still be without several key players, including Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Jurrien Timber is a doubt after missing the weekend league game against Bournemouth, but Martin Odegaard is expected to be fit after training on Tuesday.
On the other hand, PSG's Luis Enrique hopes to have Dembele fit after he recovered from a hamstring strain, though Lee Kang-in remains a doubt. The Spanish manager is likely to start with a strong lineup, including Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz in midfield, supported by the attacking talents of Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
As Arsenal prepares for this vital clash, Arteta has expressed confidence in his squad's ability to turn the tide in Paris. "To win the final of the Champions League, you have to do something exceptional throughout the tournament. We have done a lot of great things, but tomorrow in Paris against this team is the moment to do it," he stated. His words resonate with the players, who are eager to prove themselves on such a grand stage.
The atmosphere at Parc des Princes is expected to be electric, with PSG fans eager to see their team secure a place in the final. However, Arsenal's recent European away form has been impressive, and they will be looking to add a fifth consecutive win on foreign soil to keep their hopes alive.
Historically, this matchup has been closely contested, with both teams having claimed victory in their previous encounters this season. Arsenal's last trip to Paris resulted in a thrilling draw, and the Gunners will be hoping to replicate that form as they seek to overturn the deficit.
As the game approaches, the excitement builds, with both teams aware that a place in the Champions League final is on the line. Fans from around the world will be tuning in to see if Arsenal can pull off a remarkable comeback or if PSG will maintain their advantage and progress to the final in Munich.
In the end, the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: this match promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with drama, skill, and the relentless pursuit of glory. Arsenal knows they need to score at least once to avoid elimination, and winning by two clear goals will secure their spot in the final. With both teams vying for a historic victory, the stage is set for an unforgettable night of football.
