Last updated on April 30, 2025
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Arsenal failed to capitalize PSG.
Image credit: Premier League
Arsenal’s long-awaited return to the Champions League semi-finals ended in disappointment as they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
An early goal from Ousmane Dembélé gave the French champions the edge going into the second leg in Paris, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side with an uphill battle.
The match began under a wave of excitement at the Emirates, buoyed by Arsenal’s dramatic quarter-final victory over Real Madrid.
However, the buzz quickly faded when PSG, through a masterful 26-pass sequence, broke the deadlock just four minutes in.
Dembélé’s clinical finish silenced the crowd and exposed Arsenal’s vulnerability without Thomas Partey in midfield.
Despite flashes of promise from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, Arsenal failed to convert key chances.
PSG, meanwhile, controlled large spells of the game, echoing their high-octane start against Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.
Though Arsenal gained a foothold in the second half, they lacked the edge to break through Gianluigi Donnarumma’s defenses.
A notable moment came when Mikel Merino’s header from a Declan Rice free-kick found the net—only to be ruled out by VAR for offside.
It was a rare spark in Arsenal’s underwhelming set-piece performance, a facet that had been one of their strengths earlier in the season but has waned significantly in 2025.
Declan Rice’s influence was also muted in the holding role he was forced into by Partey’s suspension.
His attacking energy, so vital in Madrid, was constrained. With Partey set to return in the second leg, Arteta will hope to unlock Rice’s full potential once again.
Arteta, as well as goalkeeper David Raya, pointed to their success in the Bernabéu as a reason for hope.
But PSG, under Luis Enrique, are proving to be a more cohesive and dangerous force than the Real Madrid side Arsenal overcame.
This win adds to PSG’s growing list of Premier League scalps this season, having already knocked out Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa.
The transformation of Dembélé, now thriving in a false nine role, epitomizes the evolution of Enrique’s side since their group stage loss to Arsenal.
History is not on Arsenal’s side. Only two teams—Ajax and Tottenham—have reached the Champions League final after losing the first leg of a semi-final at home.
If Arsenal are to join that elite group, they’ll need a near-perfect display in Paris.
