On the night of April 29, 2025, Arsenal will face off against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium in London. Kickoff is set for 21:00 CET, and anticipation is high as both teams prepare for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Arsenal enters this crucial match in high spirits after a commanding aggregate victory over Real Madrid, winning 5-1 in the quarter-finals. The Gunners showcased their strength by defeating the Spanish giants 3-0 in the first leg, extending their unbeaten home streak in UEFA competitions to 17 matches. This semi-final marks Arsenal's first appearance at this stage since 2009, and their fans are eager for a deep run in the tournament.
On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain arrives with a mix of confidence and determination. The French side has never beaten Arsenal in five previous encounters (with three draws and two losses), but they have shown resilience by eliminating two Premier League clubs in the knockout stages: Liverpool in the Round of 16 and Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. PSG, a team rich in experience, has reached the semi-finals in four of the last six seasons, making them formidable opponents.
In terms of team news, Arsenal will be missing several key players. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Ricardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined due to injuries, while Thomas Partey is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. This presents a significant challenge for manager Mikel Arteta as he prepares his squad for the high-stakes match.
In contrast, PSG boasts a fully fit squad, which could give them an edge in this tightly contested battle. Manager Luis Enrique expressed confidence in his team, stating, "We have become a more cohesive team than before and now want to write a page in history. The defeat to Arsenal was on October 1, several months ago. I think there is a big difference now." Enrique’s belief in his team’s progress could be crucial as they look to overcome their historical struggles against the Gunners.
Both teams have shown significant improvement in their recent form. Arsenal's last match ended in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in the English Championship, while PSG suffered a setback, losing 1-3 to Nice in their latest outing in Ligue 1. This inconsistency for PSG could play a role as they enter a match of such high importance.
As for the predicted lineups, Arsenal is expected to field a strong side with Raya in goal, supported by defenders Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, and Lewis-Skelly. The midfield will feature Odegaard, Rice, and Merino, while the attacking trio of Saka, Trossard, and Martinelli will look to provide the firepower needed to secure a lead at home.
PSG will counter with Donnarumma in goal, flanked by Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, and Mendes in defense. Their midfield will see Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz working to control the game, while Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia will lead the attack, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses from Arsenal.
Arsenal's forward Gabriel Martinelli commented on the significance of the match, saying, "This club deserves success, and we are very happy to be involved in this moment. We believe we can win trophies." His words echo the sentiments of the entire squad, who are eager to make their mark in this prestigious tournament.
Meanwhile, PSG's midfielder Vitinha highlighted the strengths of Arsenal, acknowledging their prowess in set pieces: "We know that Arsenal is very strong in standard positions. They have a very good team, that is their main characteristic. In attack and defense - they do everything together, it is very similar to us." This mutual respect between the two sides adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
As the teams prepare to clash, many experts are weighing in on the matchup. Journalist Joe Terry noted, "The way PSG has improved since their away loss to Arsenal earlier in the group stage is remarkable. After that deserved defeat, PSG has become one of the most cohesive teams in the world. However, the same can be said for Arsenal, who are gaining confidence with every round, especially after two victories over the reigning champions, Real Madrid. This only adds to the excitement of a matchup that is already promising to be thrilling."
With the stage set and the stakes high, fans around the world will be tuning in to witness this epic showdown. The match will be broadcast live on Qazsport and will also be available for online streaming on their website, providing fans with multiple ways to engage with this pivotal moment in Champions League history.
As Arsenal and PSG prepare to battle it out, the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: both teams are ready to give their all in pursuit of glory in the UEFA Champions League.
