Arsenal continue their pursuit of a first-ever UEFA Champions League crown when they host Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of a highly-anticipated semi-final clash at Emirates Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, with fans able to catch the action live on BeIN Sports 1 MENA, BeIN Sports 1 English, Canal+ Foot, and M+ Liga de Campeones.
The Gunners have been impressive throughout the knockout stages, dismantling defending champions Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate to reach the last four for the first time since 2009. Mikel Arteta’s men already have the psychological edge over PSG, having beaten them 2-0 in the group stage last October. "We know it’s a different PSG now," Arteta said. "Luis has left his fingerprints all over that team."
As the two clubs prepare for a monumental clash, they both seek to break their UEFA Champions League duck, with neither having ever lifted the trophy. Arsenal's recent form has seen them draw three of their last four Premier League matches, while PSG has struggled since clinching the Ligue 1 title early in April, winning only two of their last five matches.
In their last encounter, Arsenal saw 60.4% of their attacks come from the right-hand side, a statistic that highlights the importance of winger Bukayo Saka, who has been a standout player for the Gunners. Saka was instrumental in Arsenal's last Champions League outing, scoring a crucial goal in the 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. His ability to create opportunities and score makes him a key figure in Arsenal's attacking setup.
On the opposing side, Saka will face off against PSG's Nuno Mendes, who has also proven to be a formidable defender. Mendes has had a significant impact on PSG's attacking play this season, contributing to their right-sided thrust, which has seen the Parisians create 77 chances from that flank in the Champions League. This matchup between Saka and Mendes is expected to be a thrilling aspect of the game.
Another intriguing battle will be between Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and PSG's right-hand side, which boasts several dribble-heavy players like Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Ousmane Dembélé. Lewis-Skelly, who has only been dribbled past once in 1,488 minutes of action this season, will have to contend with the dynamic nature of PSG's attack, which has seen them average 13.6 successful dribbles per game.
In midfield, Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey due to suspension, a significant blow for the Gunners as they face a possession-dominant PSG side. The Parisians average 63.8% possession in the Champions League, second only to Bayern Munich. Their midfield duo of Vitinha and João Neves will be crucial in maintaining control of the game. Vitinha, in particular, has been effective in setting the tempo, ranking second for touches per 90 minutes and third for successful passes among players with at least 360 minutes played this season.
Goalkeeping could also play a pivotal role in the outcome of this tie. Arsenal's David Raya has been a standout performer, conceding just six goals in 11 Champions League matches, which is significantly lower than the expected goals on target (xGOT) he faced. On the other hand, PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma has been a key figure for his side, making crucial saves in knockout rounds. Both goalkeepers are expected to be tested, especially with their teams' attacking prowess.
Set-pieces could be another area where Arsenal looks to exploit PSG's weaknesses. The French side has conceded 10 set-piece goals in Ligue 1 this season, which accounts for 32.3% of their overall goals against. Arsenal's ability to capitalize on set-pieces was evident in their previous win over PSG, where Saka's goal came directly from a free-kick. This aspect of the game could prove critical in the outcome of the semi-final.
As both teams prepare for the first leg at the Emirates, the stakes couldn't be higher. Arsenal's recent struggles in the Premier League contrast with their Champions League form, where they have shown resilience and quality. PSG, meanwhile, comes into the match with a wealth of attacking talent but has shown vulnerability in recent weeks.
The second leg will take place next Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Parc des Princes, but first, eyes will be on the Emirates as Arsenal aims to take a first-leg advantage. Arteta expressed confidence in his side's abilities, stating, "We have momentum on our side after knocking Madrid out," despite acknowledging the challenges ahead.
With both teams looking to make history, fans can expect a tactical battle filled with intensity and drama. Will Arsenal continue their impressive run, or will PSG find a way to assert their dominance? The answer awaits as the two clubs clash in this exciting Champions League semi-final.
