Dembelé's early start and Donnarumma's saves: Paris beat Arsenal
Thanks to an early goal in the 1-0 victory at Arsenal, Paris St. Germain secured a good starting position for the return leg in a week's time in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
In focus: Gianluigi Donnarumma (center) held on to PSG's narrow lead several times. picture alliance/dpa/MAXPPP
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made two changes from the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace : Merino and Saka started in place of Thomas (suspended) and Sterling (bench). The Gunners' infirmary remained unchanged: Gabriel (thigh injury), Calafiori, Tomiyasu (both knees), Jorginho (chest), Havertz ( thigh ), and Gabriel Jesus (cruciate ligament tear) were all out.
PSG coachLuis Enrique, on the other hand, decided not to make any changes to his starting eleven after the 1-3 defeat against OGC Nice - which was also the first ever defeat in Ligue 1 in 2024/25 for the already confirmed French champions.
PSG's dream start thanks to DembeléParis got off to a dream start: After an attack initiated by himself and provided by Kvaratskhelia on the left, Dembelé fired in the inside of the post to give PSG the lead in the 4th minute. The French continued to dominate the game throughout the remainder of the first half, enjoying over 70 percent possession. Doué forced Raya into a brilliant save in another good chance (32nd minute).
In the closing stages before the break, the Gunners, now significantly more aggressive and disruptive, found their way into the game and caused some unrest for the PSG defense. Joao Neves was forced to make a desperate clearance from Merino (38'), and then Donnarumma was on hand twice: The Italian international goalkeeper first made a save for Trossard's skillful finish (41') and then skillfully preserved his team's not undeserved halftime lead against the onrushing Gabriel Martinelli (45').
Offside: Merino's goal is overturnedAfter the break, the Londoners initially continued their pre-interval form – and in the 47th minute, Merino equalized with a seemingly successful header. But the celebrations quickly died down, as the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check (50th minute). The Gunners continued to dominate afterward. Following a through ball from Rice, Trossard was denied by another strong save from Donnarumma (56th minute).
In the final half hour, the match, which had been fast-paced and intense up until then, slowed down somewhat. The action now took place primarily in midfield. In the closing stages, Paris suddenly had more chances: Joao Neves from the edge of the box and substitute Barcola narrowly missed (78th, 84th), while Gonçalo Ramos' shot from a suspected offside position hit the top of the crossbar (86th). In the end, however, the French side clinched a narrow 1-0 away win.
| stadium | Emirates Stadium |
| Viewers | 60,000 |
The Gunners' Premier League campaign continues on Saturday (6:30 p.m.) at home against AFC Bournemouth. Paris Saint-Germain face Racing Strasbourg in Ligue 1 an hour and a half earlier. The return leg at the Parc de Prince will take place next Wednesday (May 7, 9:00 p.m.).
