As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated Champions League semi-final return leg, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) hosts Arsenal at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Kickoff is set for 21:00, and the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. PSG holds a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg in London, a match where they showcased their defensive prowess, thanks in large part to the incredible goalkeeping of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG, under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, is chasing their first Champions League title after a heartbreaking loss in the 2020 final against Bayern Munich. This season, they have displayed formidable form in Europe, and Enrique is keen to lead his team back to the final. “The only thing that matters to me is that PSG qualifies for the final. If we don’t succeed, we’ll congratulate the opponent,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming clash.
On the other side, Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, is equally determined to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the final. The Gunners have a rich history in European football, but they have only reached the Champions League final once, back in 2006, when they lost to Barcelona. Arteta will look to his key players, including Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli, to produce a performance that can turn the tide in their favor. Saka, in particular, has been instrumental for the team, and fans will be hoping he can replicate his form from earlier rounds.
Both teams come into the match after disappointing domestic results; PSG fell to Strasbourg in their last league outing, while Arsenal was defeated by Bournemouth. This recent dip in form adds another layer of pressure as both clubs focus solely on this pivotal encounter that could decide their Champions League fate.
PSG's lineup is expected to feature a potent attacking trio of Doue, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia, with Dembélé having recovered from a muscle issue that had cast doubt on his participation. Enrique highlighted Dembélé’s experience, stating, “He has learned a lot from the clubs he has played for, like Barcelona, simply due to the presence of other champions.” If Dembélé is unable to play, Gonçalo Ramos is ready to step in, ensuring that PSG maintains their attacking threat.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is likely to field a similar side to the one that faced PSG in the first leg, with Raya in goal and a solid defensive line featuring Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, and Lewis-Skelly. The midfield will be pivotal, with Odegaard, Partey, and Rice tasked with controlling the game and supplying the forwards with service. Arteta’s side has shown resilience in recent European matches, winning their last four away games, but they have yet to achieve five consecutive away victories in European competitions.
The first leg marked a significant moment in the clubs’ history, as it was PSG's first victory against Arsenal in six encounters, breaking a pattern of three draws and two defeats. Historically, matches between these two teams in Paris have often ended in draws, adding to the anticipation of how this latest clash will unfold.
Fans can catch the action live on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting at 20:00. The match will be commentated by Sandro Piccinini and Massimo Ambrosini, with Alessia Tarquinio and Alessandro Alciato providing pitch-side insights. Gianpaolo Calvarese will oversee the VAR Room, ensuring that the match is officiated fairly.
As the teams prepare for this decisive encounter, both PSG and Arsenal are acutely aware of the stakes involved. The winner will face Inter in the Champions League final on May 31, 2025, after the Italian side triumphed over Barcelona in the other semi-final. With so much on the line, this match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the best of European football.
The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes is expected to be electric, as PSG fans rally behind their team in hopes of advancing to the final. Luis Enrique expressed his eagerness to deliver a memorable performance for the supporters, saying, “I want to give them a great show, ensuring that their money is well spent.”
With the teams poised for battle, the stage is set for a dramatic night of football. Will PSG hold on to their lead and reach the final, or can Arsenal mount a comeback and secure their place in history? With 90 minutes plus stoppage time to decide, fans can expect nothing less than an exhilarating encounter.
