Paris Saint-Germain gained the upper hand in their quest for a maiden Champions League crown with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Emirates Stadium, as Ousmane Dembele struck early to give the visitors a vital away goal.
Dembele struck just four minutes in, capping off a sharp move initiated in midfield and finished with a precise shot off the far post after a slick one-two with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The French champions held firm thereafter, displaying composure and defensive discipline to frustrate Mikel Arteta’s side.
Despite a rousing atmosphere and strong home record—unbeaten in 17 previous European matches—Arsenal couldn’t replicate the explosive form that saw them eliminate Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came closest, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made key saves to preserve PSG’s lead.
Arsenal did have the ball in the net early in the second half through Mikel Merino, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. The Gunners pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but PSG weathered the pressure and nearly doubled their lead late on through Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos, both of whom missed clear chances.
With the return leg set for May 7 at the Parc des Princes, PSG take a slender advantage into Paris but will be wary of their past Champions League collapses. Arsenal, meanwhile, still have hope of reaching their first final despite the setback.
