In a tense and thrilling encounter at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal faced off against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final on April 29, 2025. The match ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for PSG, as they managed to capitalize on an early goal and then held off a strong Arsenal response.
Mikel Arteta made two notable changes to his starting lineup, bringing back Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino. Merino, who was recovering from injury, replaced the suspended Thomas Partey, while Saka took the place of Raheem Sterling, who was relegated to the bench. The return of Saka was particularly significant, as he has been a key player for Arsenal in the Champions League, boasting nine goals and six assists in just 16 appearances, making him the English player with the most goal involvements in their first two seasons in the competition.
On the other side, PSG's coach Luis Enrique opted for continuity, fielding the same eleven players that suffered their first Ligue 1 defeat of the season just days earlier against Nice. The Parisian side's front line consisted of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Ousmanne Dembele, with Dembele in fine form, having scored 32 goals in 44 appearances this season.
The match kicked off with a flurry of action, and it didn't take long for PSG to find the back of the net. Just minutes into the game, Dembele showcased his skills, receiving a pass from Kvaratskhelia and firing a left-footed shot that put PSG ahead 1-0. Arsenal's early struggles were evident, as they failed to respond effectively to the pressure from the visitors.
Despite the initial setback, Arsenal began to find their rhythm as the first half progressed. They created several promising opportunities but were unable to convert. Notably, Martinelli had a one-on-one chance against PSG's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the Italian shot-stopper made a crucial save to deny him.
As the match continued, Arsenal's intensity increased, and the home side looked more dangerous. Declan Rice made a remarkable run through the PSG defense, and Leandro Trossard came close to equalizing, but Donnarumma's heroics kept the scoreline intact. The Gunners ended the first half trailing but with a renewed sense of purpose.
In the second half, Arsenal made their first substitution, bringing on Ethan Nwaneri for Martin Odegaard, aiming to inject fresh energy into their attack. PSG responded by substituting Warren Zaire-Emery for Joao Neves, looking to maintain their lead. The match remained fiercely contested, with both teams creating chances but failing to add to the score.
Arsenal's Ben White replaced Jurrien Timber, and shortly after, Gonçalo Ramos came on for Desire Doué. The substitutions were strategic as both teams sought to exploit any weaknesses in their opponent's lineup. Ramos nearly doubled PSG's lead with a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar, a moment that sent shivers down the spines of Arsenal supporters.
As the match wore on, Arsenal continued to push for an equalizer. They dominated possession and looked more ambitious, but PSG's defense held firm. The visitors remained a threat on the counter, with Kvaratskhelia and Dembele consistently testing Arsenal's backline.
In a moment of drama, Arsenal thought they had equalized when Mikel Merino headed home from a Declan Rice free kick. However, the goal was disallowed for offside, much to the frustration of the home crowd. This pivotal moment underscored the fine margins in such a high-stakes match.
With time running out, Arsenal's desperation grew. They piled on the pressure, but Donnarumma was resolute, making key saves to preserve PSG's slim lead. The final whistle blew, signaling a 1-0 victory for PSG, leaving Arsenal with work to do in the second leg.
Post-match, Mikel Arteta reflected on the performance, saying, "Especially with the circumstances this season and how we've overcome many problems and challenges, we've become one of the four best teams in Europe. Right now, it's a beautiful story, but we want more." Meanwhile, Luis Enrique praised his team's resilience, stating, "We are a more complete team than in the league phase and now we want to make history. I think we are a better team; we have proven that throughout the competition."
This defeat marked Arsenal's first loss to PSG in their history, as the two teams had previously faced each other six times, with Arsenal winning three and drawing three. The last encounter, back in October 2024, saw Arsenal triumph 2-0, but this time, PSG's early goal made all the difference.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will need to regroup and strategize for the second leg of the semi-final. With a strong performance in the first leg, they have shown they can compete with the best, but they will need to convert their chances if they hope to overturn the deficit and advance to the final.
As both teams prepare for the return leg, the stakes couldn't be higher. Arsenal will aim to leverage their home advantage, while PSG will seek to defend their slender lead. The Champions League semi-finals are always a stage for drama, and this encounter has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tie.
