Home SPORTS Champions League Semifinal: PSG Beats Arsenal 1-0 in First Leg

Champions League Semifinal: PSG Beats Arsenal 1-0 in First Leg

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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secures a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg, thanks to Ousmane Dembélé's early goal.



Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, gaining a crucial advantage. Ousmane Dembélé's early strike in the 4th minute proved to be the deciding factor in this closely contested match.


This win marks a significant milestone for PSG, who have been consistent performers in the Champions League, reaching the semifinals for the fourth time in six seasons. Meanwhile, Arsenal's 17-match unbeaten home run in European competition came to an end. The match showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, often referred to as perennial bridesmaids in the Champions League, as they vie for their first European title.


Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) got off to a flying start, thanks to a familiar source. Ousmane Dembélé combined well with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, finishing with a precise left-footed shot that curled in off the post, leaving the Emirates Stadium crowd stunned.


This goal marked Dembélé's 25th of the calendar year and his 11th goal contribution in the competition this season, setting a new PSG club record.


Arsenal struggled to keep pace with PSG's intensity in the first half. Goalkeeper David Raya made crucial saves to deny Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué, showcasing his skill with a superb one-handed stop against the latter.


As halftime approached, Arsenal began to rally, showing signs of a potential resurgence. Just seconds before the break, Gianluigi Donnarumma made an impressive one-handed save to deny Gabriel Martinelli, keeping PSG's lead intact.


Arsenal thought they'd equalized just two minutes after the restart when Mikel Merino headed home from a free-kick taken by Declan Rice. However, the Spaniard's effort was ruled out for offside.


Despite the frustration, the moment seemed to energize Arsenal. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was called upon to make a crucial save, brilliantly denying Leandro Trossasso's powerful strike.


PSG's momentum was briefly disrupted when Ousmane Dembélé was forced off with an apparent injury, replaced by Bradley Barcola. Barcola quickly made his presence felt, setting up João Neves with a precise pass.


PSG's Scoring Opportunities
Neves had two chances to score, first firing over the bar and then hitting the post with an angled shot after some delightful build-up play. Gonçalo Ramos also had a chance, but his unconventional toe-poke strike hit the bar.


Ousmane Dembélé's early goal ultimately decided the match in London, giving PSG a narrow 1-0 win. This victory marked only the French champions' second win in their last five games across all competitions.


For Arsenal, the defeat ended a 12-match unbeaten run. They now face a tough challenge to overturn the deficit in the return leg in Paris in eight days, if they hope to reach the Champions League final for the first time in 19 years.




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