Paris Saint-Germain took a significant step toward their maiden UEFA Champions League title with a crucial 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the semi-final first leg on Tuesday night. The decisive moment came early at the Emirates Stadium as French winger Ousmane Dembele struck a sharp finish past David Raya in the fourth minute. PSG maintained composure for the rest of the match putting on a tactically sound and defensively solid performance under head coach Luis Enrique.
Dembele’s goal stemmed from an aggressive counterattack initiated in the middle of the pitch. After moving the ball wide to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia the Georgian attacker surged down the flank and delivered a pinpoint pass back to Dembele who slotted the ball in off the far post. The quick strike stunned the home crowd and set the tone for PSG’s disciplined performance throughout the match.
The visitors showed maturity in managing the game and had multiple chances to double their lead. Desire Doue tested Arsenal goalkeeper Raya with a low drive while Goncalo Ramos hit the crossbar and Bradley Barcola missed a one-on-one opportunity late in the match leaving PSG with a narrow but vital edge.
Arsenal who had been undefeated in 17 previous home European fixtures struggled to find their rhythm early in the match. Despite a spirited effort to equalise including disallowed goals and crucial saves by PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma the Gunners could not break through. Gabriel Martinelli’s effort before halftime was brilliantly denied and Mikel Merino’s second-half header was ruled offside by VAR.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the result as a setback but emphasized that the tie is still alive. “It’s only half-time. We showed our strength in patches but the margins are small at this level. We still have a great opportunity to reach the final” he said.
The French champions will return to Parc des Princes for the second leg on May 7 carrying a slender advantage but aware of the dangers of complacency especially given their history in Europe. PSG have already eliminated Premier League giants Liverpool and Aston Villa and came from behind against Manchester City earlier in the tournament. With Arsenal already having dispatched Real Madrid in the previous round the stage is set for an intense second leg with a place in the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan on the line.
