PSG triumphed in the Gunners’ home stadium, the Emirates Stadium, in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. A heroic performance that had Parisian fans dreaming.
The awakening of a wounded giant
This Wednesday evening, under the vibrant floodlights of the Emirates Stadium, Paris Saint-Germain returned to where it all began. On October 1, 2024, Arsenal, the reigning champions, inflicted a cruel 2-0 defeat on a still-fragile Parisian side. But this time, it was an unrecognizable PSG that entered the fray: a united team, led by Luis Enrique and driven by the brilliance of players like Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué. Determined, the Parisian players seemed ready to write a new chapter in their history.
Photoss : Arsenal/PSG/DR
Ousmane Dembélé’s lightning strike in the London night
From the opening minutes, PSG set the pace. Aggressive pressing, ball control, and, above all, a killer instinct. Ousmane Dembélé found the net in the fourth minute, thanks to a perfect combination with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. His low cross-shot off the post opened the scoring and set the tone (0-1). Paris, galvanized, created a series of chances. Marquinhos saw his header grazed the target, while Gunners goalkeeper David Raya saved his team from attempts by Desiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Later, match referee Slavko Vincic chose not to award the Parisian club a penalty. The controversial play occurred in the sixteenth minute, when the Georgian playmaker, on a run into the Gunners penalty area, was held by the arm by Jurrien Timber. A decision that continues to spark debate.
Photoss : Arsenal/PSG/DR
PSG under pressure but unyielding
The English response was swift. Arsenal, led by an imperious Declan Rice in midfield, began to break through the Parisian defensive lines. Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s last line of defense, made decisive saves, notably from Martin Merino and Gabriel Martinelli. The second half intensified further: Declan Rice launched Leandro Trossard into a frantic run, but the Parisian goalkeeper responded. The tension mounted as the minutes ticked by, transforming the match into a veritable battle of nerves.
Heroes off the bench
Luis Enrique relied on his substitutes to maintain the balance. Gonçalo Ramos, barely on the bench, provided Bradley Barcola with a brilliant shot. His own audacious shot hit the crossbar, narrowly missing the break (85th minute). Arsenal threw their last forces into the battle, but Paris held firm. The Parisian players, united as ever, preserved their precious advantage until the final whistle.
Photoss : Arsenal/PSG/DR
Heading for the Parc des Princes
With this away victory, PSG is looking forward to the final. But the road ahead is still fraught with obstacles. In a week, at the Parc des Princes, they will have to seal the victory against the Gunners, who have not yet had their final word. The Parisian fans are already ready to make their voices heard.
Photoss : Arsenal/PSG/DR
