Paris Saint-Germain took a significant step toward the UEFA Champions League final with a narrow 1–0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to an early strike from Ousmane Dembélé and a commanding display from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The French side, aiming to reach the final in Munich, struck early in the first leg of the semi-final when Dembélé fired home a well-placed effort just four minutes into the match. Assisted by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé’s low, driven shot ricocheted off the post and past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya to silence the home crowd.
It was a dream start for Luis Enrique’s men, who looked sharp and purposeful in the opening stages. They nearly doubled their lead before the break when 19-year-old midfielder Désiré Doué, a standout performer in the quarter-finals, tested Raya with a well-struck shot, but the Spanish keeper stood firm.
Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm in the first half and relied on their goalkeeper to keep them in the tie. Donnarumma, meanwhile, made a critical save just before half-time, denying Gabriel Martinelli with a strong dive to his left after the Brazilian winger found space in the box.
The second half began with renewed urgency from the hosts, and they thought they had equalised when Mikel Merino found the net following a Declan Rice free-kick. However, the goal was swiftly ruled out for offside, with Merino marginally beyond the last defender when the ball was played.
Unfazed by the setback, Arsenal pushed forward again. Donnarumma was called into action on multiple occasions, most notably thwarting Leandro Trossard after another incisive pass from Rice. Bukayo Saka also saw an effort saved by the Italian goalkeeper as the Gunners struggled to break down the resilient PSG defence.
Despite Arsenal’s growing pressure, the visitors came closest to adding to the scoreline in the closing stages. Substitutes Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos both had excellent chances to extend PSG’s lead. Barcola fired just wide before Ramos struck the crossbar with a powerful header, narrowly missing what would have been a potentially decisive second goal.
The final whistle confirmed a vital away victory for Paris Saint-Germain, who now head into the second leg at the Parc des Princes with a slender but valuable advantage. With two results out of three in their favour, a draw or win on home soil would be enough to send the French giants into the final in Munich.
For Arsenal, the path is far more daunting. Mikel Arteta’s side will need to score at least twice in Paris to overturn the deficit and reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. It is a challenge, but not an impossible one, particularly given the attacking firepower the Gunners possess.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) – The Italian goalkeeper produced a series of vital saves to preserve PSG’s clean sheet and was instrumental in frustrating Arsenal’s attempts to equalise. His performance was crucial in ensuring his side took a lead into the return leg.
