PSG takes step closer to UCL final defeating Arsenal

The UEFA Champions League semifinal action kicked off on the night of April 29, as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) met in the first leg at Emirates Stadium in London. In this important clash, French club PSG triumphed over English giants Arsenal with a 1-0 victory.

Ousmane Dembélé was the hero of PSG’s victory, scoring the only goal of the match in the 4th minute. With this win, PSG is now on track for the final under coach Luis Enrique. The second leg of the semifinal will be held on May 8, when the two teams will face off once again.

PSG dominated Arsenal on their home turf in London. Despite playing excellent football against Real Madrid earlier, Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm in this match. Had Barca and Ramos converted their missed chances, PSG could have secured a bigger victory. Arsenal was also unlucky when Mikel Merino's goal to make it 1-1 was ruled offside by semi-automated technology. PSG’s European-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was in top form, blocking several of Arsenal’s opportunities and standing firm against Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli.

Despite the home defeat, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta remains optimistic for the second leg. After the match, he said, "We are now in the middle of the tie. After our 3-0 win in Madrid, the message I gave to the team remains the same. We must win at PSG's stadium."

Arteta is confident that reaching the Champions League final will require something special. He added, "We need to do something special in Paris."

After PSG's victory over Arsenal, coach Enrique said, "We displayed the mentality we aimed for, and as PSG's coach, this mentality is crucial. Scoring early helps build confidence. I’m pleased that, regardless of the outcome, our team played with incredible determination and focus."