Islamabad, 30 April 2025: PSG will carry a narrow lead into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal after a 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
The win came courtesy of an early strike from Ousmane Dembele and a standout performance by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The French side silenced a charged North London crowd just four minutes into the match, when Dembele calmly converted a low cross from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
That goal set the tone for PSG’s bright start, with their high-intensity attack forcing Arsenal onto the back foot in the early exchanges.
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Désiré Doué was close to doubling PSG’s lead, but Raya’s save kept Arsenal in it as they struggled to break a well-organised defence.
Donnarumma, once again proving vital in PSG’s European campaign, produced key saves to keep the hosts at bay.
He denied Gabriel Martinelli before the break and thwarted Leandro Trossard with a low dive shortly after.
Arsenal thought they had drawn level early in the second half when Mikel Merino headed in a Declan Rice free-kick.
However, the goal was disallowed after a lengthy VAR review for offside, highlighting the fine margins at this stage of the tournament.
While Arsenal pushed forward in search of an equaliser, PSG had chances to increase their advantage.
Substitute Bradley Barcola sent his shot wide, and Gonçalo Ramos rattled the crossbar late on.
Despite the defeat, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will take heart from his side’s resilience.
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Having already beaten Real Madrid at the Bernabéu earlier in the competition, he will hope for another famous away performance in Paris next week.
For PSG, the win marks yet another triumph over English opposition, having already eliminated Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa.
Their blend of sharp attacking talent and defensive steel, led by Donnarumma, has made them serious contenders for a first Champions League title.
The return leg in Paris promises a tense battle, with both sides still in with a chance of reaching the final in Munich.
