PSG Edges Arsenal in Champions League Semi-Final First Leg

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final encounter. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium in London, saw the French champions take an early lead through Ousmane Dembélé’s strike and hold on for a valuable win.

Despite recent domestic setbacks, PSG approached the game with confidence. Dembélé, who has been in exceptional form this season, broke his recent goal drought by finding the net in the fifth minute. The French forward’s well-placed shot, assisted by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, silenced the home crowd early on.

Arsenal gradually grew into the game, creating several chances and even having a goal disallowed for offside early in the second half. However, PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves to preserve his team’s lead.

As the match progressed, PSG adopted a more defensive approach, successfully limiting Arsenal’s attacking opportunities. The visitors even came close to extending their lead in the closing stages, with substitute Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos both narrowly missing chances.

This victory marks PSG’s first-ever win against Arsenal in European competition and puts them in a strong position to reach the Champions League final. However, with the second leg still to come in Paris, the tie remains far from decided.

Key performers for PSG included Donnarumma, who made several important saves, and Kvaratskhelia, who provided the assist for the winning goal. For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka stood out as their most threatening attacker, consistently troubling the PSG defense.

The return leg in Paris promises to be an intense affair, with Arsenal looking to overturn the deficit and PSG aiming to protect their advantage and secure a place in the final.