In a 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, which kicked off at 22:00 local time, saw PSG emerge victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Ousmane Dembele in the 4th minute.
Arsenal, who had made a remarkable run to the semi-finals by defeating Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, were looking to capitalize on their home advantage. The Gunners aimed to secure a crucial win in front of their passionate fans before heading to the second leg in Paris. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to find the back of the net.
The match started with PSG quickly asserting their dominance. Just four minutes in, Dembele found the net, giving the French side an early lead. Arsenal struggled to respond effectively, and their hopes of leveling the score took a hit when a goal from Mikel Merino was disallowed for offside in the 47th minute. The disallowed goal highlighted Arsenal's frustrations as they sought to equalize.
Throughout the match, Arsenal displayed moments of promise, with their possible starting lineup featuring Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Merino, Rice, Saka, Martinelli, and Trossard. Despite their attacking efforts, they were unable to break through PSG's defense, which was anchored by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and defenders Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos.
PSG's lineup included a star-studded cast, with Donnarumma in goal, supported by Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, and a midfield featuring Neves, Vitinha, and Ruiz. The attacking front was led by Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, and Barcola, showcasing the depth and talent of the Parisian side.
The match was broadcast live and free on TRT Spor, allowing fans across Turkey to witness the high-stakes clash between two of Europe's elite clubs. As the final whistle blew, PSG celebrated their hard-fought victory, while Arsenal was left to ponder what went wrong.
Looking ahead, the two teams will meet again for the second leg on May 7, 2025, at Parc des Princes in Paris. Arsenal will need to regroup and find a way to overturn the deficit if they wish to progress to the final. The upcoming match promises to be just as intense, with both teams vying for a spot in the prestigious Champions League final.
The stakes couldn't be higher as Arsenal seeks to capitalize on their experience and home advantage, while PSG looks to maintain their momentum and secure a place in the final. Fans from both sides eagerly anticipate the rematch, knowing that anything can happen in the world of football.
