Paris Saint-Germain took a major step toward the UEFA Champions League final with a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of their semifinal clash on Tuesday.
Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the match in the fourth minute, firing in off the post after a quick move started by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left wing. The early strike gave PSG the lead, and they managed to hold firm despite a late push from the hosts.
The victory puts PSG in a strong position heading into the second leg next Wednesday in Paris. If they protect their lead at home, they will face either Inter Milan or Barcelona in the final in Munich. The French champions, still seeking their first Champions League title, are growing in confidence.
Arsenal, in their first semifinal appearance since 2009, struggled in the early stages and failed to match PSG’s intensity and movement. The Premier League side had a goal by Mikel Merino disallowed after halftime due to a tight offside call following a VAR review.
PSG nearly extended their lead late in the game, but Bradley Barcola missed a clear chance, and Goncalo Ramos hit the crossbar. Despite wasting those opportunities, PSG will be pleased with the away win.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma played a key role in preserving the clean sheet, making several crucial saves—most notably a fingertip stop from Leandro Trossard in the second half.
The match began with fireworks—literally—as smoke from pre-match pyrotechnics still lingered when Dembele scored. It was his eighth goal of the campaign, tying Kylian Mbappe’s club record for most goal involvements in a single Champions League season.
PSG have come a long way since their 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the group stage last October. Since then, they’ve beaten top English sides, including Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa.
Arsenal showed some improvement after the break. Gabriel Martinelli came close with two efforts, and Merino’s disallowed goal briefly lifted the home crowd. But they couldn’t find a breakthrough, and now face a tough challenge in Paris.
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