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Champions League Semi-Final: Arsenal Looks to Overcome PSG Deficit

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Arsenal's 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg hasn't deterred Mikel Arteta and goalkeeper David Raya, who remain confident of a comeback in the second leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7th.



Mikel Arteta and David Raya are undeterred by Arsenal's 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg. Raya believes Arsenal can still reach the final, despite the setback. “We played well, put them on the back foot, hurt them, and created chances,” Raya said, adding that his team dominated most of the game after PSG's early goal.


Arteta echoed Raya's sentiments, stating that Arsenal have a “big chance” to overcome the deficit and reach the final. “We know we can win against any team,” Raya emphasized. Arteta praised his team's performance, highlighting Declan Rice's solid game and Mikel Merino's options. The Arsenal manager is optimistic about his team's prospects, despite trailing in the tie.


PSG dominated the first half but failed to capitalize on their chances, with Goncalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola wasting late opportunities to extend their lead. Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to preserve the 1-0 scoreline.


Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment with the result, saying, “We're disappointed with the result, we put so much into the game. In the first 10-15 minutes we struggled to get momentum and dominate the game the way we wanted; we were very inefficient in where we won the ball and that caused us a few issues, but after that the team were better and better and better. It's disappointing not to get a draw at least.” Despite the deficit, Arteta remains determined to fight for a comeback in the second leg.


Mikel Arteta acknowledged PSG's swift start, saying, “That is always the danger, credit to them. They get out of a situation that is close. We had seven players behind the ball and they were clinical. Sometimes you just have to recognise the talent of the individual.”


Despite the loss, Arteta remains optimistic, adding, “It's half-time and we have a big chance to be in the final.” David Raya reflected on the team's battling performance and is looking forward to the second leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7th.




“They started quick with a goal and they dominated the first 15 or 20 minutes but after that we dominated most of the game, created the chances. Donnarumma made some good saves,” Raya said.


“It's only half-time, we take positives. They are a top team but credit to the players for the effort. We could have won the game.


“We know they keep possession a lot and are good at that. They had that chance and put it in the net. We had chances to score but we didn't manage to.”


Arsenal failed to score at home in a Champions League match for the first time since losing 2-0 to Barcelona in 2016. The loss also ended an 18-match unbeaten European run at the Emirates.


Thomas Partey's return from suspension for the second leg will allow Declan Rice to take on a more attacking role. Goalkeeper David Raya remains confident that Arsenal can overcome the deficit and reach the final, following their surprise win over Real Madrid in the quarterfinals.


“We showed from the 25th minute of the first half that we can win against any team. We have showed in the season we can win away games too, so we'll go to Paris next week trying to win,” he said.


“We have to approach the game the same way. We played well, we put them on the back foot and hurt them. Let's go next week in Paris.”


Key Match Statistics

  • PSG's opening goal was preceded by 26 passes, a record for the team in the competition and the most for a goal conceded by Arsenal in the competition since 2003/04.
  • Ousmane Dembélé's goal was scored after just 3 minutes and 15 seconds, the earliest Arsenal have conceded in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages since 2016.
  • Dembélé's 33 goals in Europe's top five leagues this season put him fourth, behind Robert Lewandowski (40), Harry Kane (36), and Kylian Mbappé (34), and his 25 goals in 2025 are the most in that timeframe.





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