On May 7, 2025, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) hosts Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Kickoff is scheduled for 21:00 CET, and all eyes will be on this crucial encounter that promises to deliver excitement and drama as both teams vie for a spot in the final.
PSG enters this match with a slight advantage, having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a crucial goal from Ousmane Dembélé. The French side, managed by Luis Enrique, is aiming to reach the Champions League final for the first time since the 2019/20 season. However, they come into this match on the back of a disappointing 2-1 loss to Strasbourg in Ligue 1, which marked their third consecutive match without a win (1 draw, 2 losses).
Meanwhile, Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, is determined to turn the tide. The Gunners have not reached a Champions League final since the 2005/06 season and are desperate to break that nearly two-decade-long drought. They also faced a setback in their recent Premier League fixture, losing 2-1 to Bournemouth, leaving them with only this semifinal as a chance for silverware this season.
"We are here to make history. This is one of the most important matches of the season, one of the most beautiful, without a doubt. We are just a win away from the final. We will speak on the field and strive to be better than them," Arteta stated ahead of the clash, emphasizing his team's readiness to fight for a comeback.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the winner of this match will face Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Inter secured their spot by defeating Barcelona in a dramatic semifinal, winning 7-6 on aggregate after extra time, showcasing the thrilling nature of this year’s tournament.
The match will be officiated by German referee Felix Zwayer, with Bastian Dankert serving as the VAR assistant. Fans can catch the action live on various platforms, including M+ Liga de Campeones in Spain, ESPN and Disney+ in South America, and Max and TNT Sports in Mexico. In the United States, viewers can tune in via TUDN, Paramount+, and Univisión.
As for the probable lineups, PSG is expected to field Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Pacho, and Nuno Mendes forming the defense. The midfield will likely include Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves, while Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia lead the attack. Arsenal, on the other hand, may start with David Raya in goal, a back line of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Thomas Partey in midfield. Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to spearhead the Gunners' attack.
Historically, PSG and Arsenal have met four times in the Champions League, with each team winning once and two matches ending in draws. This evenly matched rivalry adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming clash, as both teams are eager to secure their place in the final.
As the match approaches, the anticipation builds. PSG must hold onto their slender lead, while Arsenal knows that only a win will suffice to keep their hopes alive. Fans from both sides are buzzing with excitement, knowing that this match could be a defining moment in their teams' seasons.
With a backdrop of passionate supporters, tactical battles on the pitch, and the lure of European glory, PSG vs. Arsenal promises to be a memorable encounter. The outcome remains uncertain as both teams prepare to leave everything on the field in pursuit of that coveted final spot.
In the end, it’s not just about the scoreline; it’s about the journey, the passion, and the dreams of lifting the Champions League trophy. Who will emerge victorious and claim their chance at glory? The answer awaits as the clock ticks down to kickoff.
