On a night filled with tension and anticipation, Arsenal faced off against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025. The Gunners, returning to this stage for the first time since 2009, were looking to capitalize on their recent form after knocking out the defending champions, Real Madrid, in the quarter-finals. However, they were met with a formidable PSG side eager to secure their spot in the final.
The match kicked off with a bang as PSG's Ousmane Dembele found the net just four minutes in, giving the visitors an early lead. Dembele's goal came after a swift counter-attack, where he received a pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and struck a low shot that nestled inside the far post, catching Arsenal's defense off guard. This early setback silenced the home crowd and set the tone for a challenging evening ahead.
Despite the early goal, Arsenal gradually found their footing, pushing back against PSG's initial dominance. The Gunners created several chances, with standout performances from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Both players had opportunities to equalize, but PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was in fine form, making crucial saves that kept Arsenal at bay. His most notable stops came from one-on-one situations against Martinelli and Trossard, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
As the match progressed, Arsenal thought they had equalized just two minutes into the second half when Mikel Merino headed home from a Declan Rice free-kick. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a marginal offside call. This decision left the Gunners feeling aggrieved, as they had begun to build momentum and belief that they could turn the match around.
PSG, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the counter-attack. Despite their lead, they wasted several opportunities to extend it, with Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos both missing clear chances late in the match. Arsenal's David Raya also made a key save to deny Desire Doue's low effort, ensuring that the Gunners remained within striking distance.
After the final whistle, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed disappointment with the result, stating, "We put so much into the game. I’m disappointed not to get at least a draw." He acknowledged the challenge ahead, urging his team to produce a special performance in the second leg to overturn the deficit. "We have to go to Paris and win the game, and we are more than capable of doing it," he said.
On the other side, PSG's manager Luis Enrique was pleased with the outcome but remained cautious. "Mission accomplished this evening," he remarked. "But our objective is to win the second leg at home as well. With Arsenal, we cannot let our guard down or be complacent because they can score quickly, and we are back to square one. Nothing is in the bag."
The second leg is set to take place at the Parc des Princes in Paris next Wednesday, where Arsenal will need to overcome their one-goal deficit to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to secure their place in the final against either Inter Milan or Barcelona, who are competing in the other semi-final.
As the dust settles on this first leg, Arsenal fans are left with a mix of hope and frustration. With their unbeaten record against PSG in previous encounters, the Gunners will take confidence into the return match, hoping to channel their home support into a decisive performance in Paris. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this semi-final tie, as both clubs vie for a coveted spot in the Champions League final.
With the final whistle blown and the scoreline reading Arsenal 0, Paris Saint-Germain 1, the Gunners must regroup and prepare for the challenge that lies ahead. Will they rise to the occasion and turn the tie around in Paris? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of the Champions League is far from over.
