PSG performed better to beat Arsenal in a fierce 90-minute duel. Luis Enrique’s squad can be confident after securing a 1-0 score.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025, PSG visited Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the 2024/2025 Champions League semifinals. The match was predicted to be fierce and that’s what happened.
The Gunners played well in front of their own supporters, only PSG were more efficient in finishing their chances. PSG’s only goal this time was scored by Ousmane Dembele at the start of the match (3′).
This victory will be valuable capital for PSG when they face Arsenal in Paris next week. PSG has one foot in the UCL final this season.
The match had just started and PSG immediately scored a goal. A quick attack scheme in the 4th minute. The combination with Kvaratskhelia was completed with Dembele’s shot into the far corner. Goal! Arsenal 0-1 PSG.
The quick goal made PSG appear more confident. Arsenal’s defense seemed to have difficulty finding its best form. In the 17th minute, Kvaratskhelia was brought down by Timber in the penalty box, but the referee did not budge.
In the 31st minute, another good chance from PSG. Doue shot from close range, pushed away by Raya. The ball was then continued by Fabian with a shot, hitting the post, but his position was offside.
Entering the last 15 minutes of the first half, it was Arsenal who got the chance to fight back. Saka got a chance in the 39th and 40th minutes, but it was not threatening enough.
Arsenal seemed to find a gap in PSG’s defense through long passes, but there was no reply goal until the end of the first 45 minutes.
The match resumed and Arsenal immediately scored a goal. A free kick scheme, Rice’s high ball was headed accurately by Merino. However, VAR confirmed that Merino was offside after the match was stopped for a few minutes.
The disallowed goal slightly disrupted Arsenal’s momentum. The Gunners continued to try to attack, but PSG began to control the tempo cleverly.
In the 77th minute, Saka had another chance to shoot, but the linesman raised the offside flag. A minute later, it was Neves’ turn to shoot which still went over.
Entering the final 10 minutes, Arsenal looked increasingly frustrated. PSG did not really pursue the second goal, seemed satisfied with a one-goal advantage.
The additional 5 minutes did not change anything. The score was 1-0 for PSG’s victory.
