PSG Defeats Arsenal 1-0 in Champions League Semifinal First Leg
Paris Saint-Germain secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League semifinal on Tuesday, April 30, 2025. Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal proved to be the difference as PSG took a significant step toward their first-ever Champions League title.
Early Goal Gives PSG the Advantage
The match at Emirates Stadium started with intensity as PSG quickly took control. Just four minutes in, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke into the box and laid off a pass to Dembélé, who calmly swept the ball off the post and into the net past David Raya.
The goal marked Dembélé’s eighth goal of the tournament and his 11th goal involvement, matching former PSG star Kylian Mbappé’s club record.
Arsenal Struggles to Find Rhythm
Arsenal, playing their first Champions League semifinal since 2009, struggled under PSG’s early pressure. The visitors dominated possession and created several dangerous chances, with Leandro Trossard forced to pull down Achraf Hakimi to stop a counterattack and Marquinhos heading an effort straight at Raya.
The Gunners gradually settled into the match late in the first half. Gabriel Martinelli came close twice, including a sharp chance just before halftime that was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Second Half Drama and Missed Opportunities
Early in the second half, Arsenal thought they had equalized when Mikel Merino headed in from a Declan Rice free-kick. However, VAR ruled the goal offside after a lengthy check.
Arsenal pressed forward with momentum, but Donnarumma stood strong, making a sensational fingertip save on a Trossard effort. Meanwhile, PSG wasted chances to extend their lead as Bradley Barcola missed a clear opportunity and Gonçalo Ramos struck the crossbar late in the match.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
PSG will now return to the Parc des Princes with a 1-0 aggregate lead. If they protect their advantage at home next Wednesday, they will face either Inter Milan or Barcelona in the final in Munich.
Having defeated English clubs Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa earlier this season, PSG looks poised to finally break through for their long-awaited Champions League crown.
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