Player Ratings: PSG Edge Arsenal in Tight Champions League Semi-Final | OneFootball

Arsenal Left Frustrated by Early PSG Strike in Champions League Semi-Final

The Emirates crackled with anticipation, buoyed by the spring sunshine and the irresistible pull of a Champions League semi-final. Arsenal fans, dreaming of Istanbul, had barely found their seats when Paris Saint-Germain shattered the mood.

Inside just three minutes, Ousmane Dembele carved through Arsenal’s right flank and slotted home with surgical precision, handing PSG a crucial 1-0 lead to take back to Parc des Princes. From that point, Mikel Arteta’s side were chasing shadows — and the scoreboard.

Early Blow Halts Arsenal’s Momentum

PSG, electric and effervescent in the opening stages, dominated possession with a silkiness that Arsenal simply couldn’t contain. Desire Doue, full of invention, tested David Raya with a low drive that required a sharp save to keep Arsenal’s hopes alive.

There were flashes of Arsenal’s attacking threat, often inspired by Bukayo Saka’s darting runs and their threat from set pieces. Gabriel Martinelli should have equalised on the brink of half-time, but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a sprawling save to deny the Brazilian.

Set pieces remained Arsenal’s best hope, and they thought they had their reward just after the break. Mikel Merino rose highest to nod past Donnarumma, only for VAR to intervene and rule it out for a marginal infringement.

Donnarumma the Hero as PSG Take Control

Arsenal’s surge continued, but Donnarumma proved immovable. The Italian’s fingertip save from Leandro Trossard was arguably the finest moment of the night, denying Arsenal the momentum shift they so desperately needed.

From there, PSG’s composure shone. Luis Enrique’s side expertly slowed the tempo, breaking Arsenal’s rhythm with clever fouls and precise possession. They could — and perhaps should — have added a second, with Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos both passing up golden opportunities late on.

Yet, with a 1-0 lead secured, PSG head home firmly in command of the tie.

Player Ratings from Arsenal vs PSG Clash

Arsenal

PSG

Arsenal Face Tall Order in Paris

For Arsenal, the task is simple yet monumental: find a way to breach PSG’s wall at the Parc des Princes while keeping Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, and the rest at bay. With a place in the Champions League final on the line, a night of supreme quality and mental resilience will be required.

Arteta’s men have no room for regret now. Only reaction will do.