As the UEFA Champions League semifinal approaches, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain find themselves on the brink of a thrilling showdown, with just 180 minutes separating them from a coveted spot in the final. The anticipation is palpable as both teams gear up for this pivotal clash, especially considering their earlier encounter in the league phase where PSG was without their star player, Ousmane Dembélé.
Arsenal secured their place in the semifinals with an impressive 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg, resulting in a dominant 5-1 aggregate win. Meanwhile, PSG also advanced with a 5-1 aggregate score, but their journey was far more dramatic, edging their opponents 5-4 after a nail-biting second leg.
However, both clubs enter this semifinal with recent stumbles that could affect their momentum. PSG was held to a 1-1 draw by FC Nantes before suffering a shocking defeat to OGC Nice, snapping their unbeaten Ligue 1 run. Arsenal, too, faced frustration with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, raising questions about their form heading into such a crucial match.
On April 28, 2025, Vitinha, PSG's talented midfielder, spoke to reporters about the significance of having Dembélé back in the lineup against the Gunners. “Dembélé is a vital player for us, an incredible player,” Vitinha stated (h/t Culture PSG). “It’s always better to have him than not to have him. So I hope he can help us tomorrow, and we will do everything we can to help him.”
Vitinha emphasized Dembélé's impact not just on the pitch but also in the locker room. “We have seen several times how he gives 100% in his matches, not just offensively but also defensively. It makes us want to help him, it makes us want to give even more. I think it’s an incredible form of leadership,” he noted. The camaraderie within the squad is evident, as Vitinha pointed out, “There’s not a single player here who doesn’t like him. He’s incredible.”
Looking back at their previous encounter in October 2024, PSG faced Arsenal without Dembélé, who was excluded from the squad for disciplinary reasons. Since then, Dembélé has been in sensational form, scoring 21 goals in his first 16 games of 2025. His return is seen as a game-changer for PSG as they prepare to avenge their earlier loss.
Vitinha, who has emerged as one of the standout players in his position this season, is ready to face off against Arsenal's Declan Rice, who played a pivotal role in the Gunners' successful campaign against Real Madrid. The matchup between these two midfielders is highly anticipated, with Vitinha acknowledging the challenge posed by Rice's physicality. “I don’t think there’s an issue in our midfield,” he asserted. “We won against Liverpool. You said the same thing to us. You said, 'From an athletic point of view, it’s going to be difficult for you.' But we won that.”
Despite the pressure, Vitinha remains confident in PSG's ability to compete against the physicality of English football. “We’re in the semi-final of the Champions League and we are here to play the game,” he declared. “We are not going to think about the last defeat against Nice or draw in Nantes. It’s not what we wanted, but it’s behind us.”
As the match approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher. Both teams are eager to showcase their strengths and secure a place in the final. Vitinha reflected on the team's growth since their last meeting with Arsenal, stating, “I think that Arsenal is a great team. They’ve got a brilliant squad, and I think that’s their best quality.”
In the context of their Champions League journey, Vitinha is determined to help PSG reach the final this year, especially after falling short against Borussia Dortmund in the semifinals last season. “We have never been to a final, so maybe it was a lack of experience,” he admitted. “But we are going to do everything we can to pull it out the bag and to ensure that there is a different end.”
With the Emirates Stadium set to host this high-stakes encounter, fans can expect an electric atmosphere as both teams vie for supremacy. The tactical battle, individual performances, and the return of a key player like Dembélé will undoubtedly shape the outcome of this crucial matchup.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on the pitch as PSG and Arsenal prepare to clash in what promises to be a thrilling semifinal. Will Dembélé's return be the catalyst for PSG's success, or will Arsenal's solid teamwork and tactical prowess shine through? One thing is for sure: this match will be one for the ages.
