Arsenal’s hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006 suffered a major blow on Tuesday night, as they lost 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Emirates Stadium.
French winger Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the match just four minutes into the game. Dembele, who was left out during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over PSG in the group stage, punished the Gunners this time. He started a move from midfield, passed wide to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, received the ball back at the edge of the box, and fired past David Raya via the post.
Arsenal were on the back foot for most of the first half, struggling without suspended midfielder Thomas Partey. PSG continued to press, with Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue coming close to extending their lead, but Raya pulled off key saves.
The Gunners had a few chances of their own, but PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was in top form, stopping efforts from Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal thought they had equalised early in the second half, but Mikel Merino’s strike was ruled out by VAR.
PSG substitutes Goncalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola could have sealed the game late on, missing clear chances that kept Arsenal’s hopes alive.
In the stands, former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger watched with a grim expression next to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as current manager Mikel Arteta grew frustrated on the touchline.
The second leg will take place next Wednesday in Paris, where Arsenal must win to keep their Champions League dream alive.
