![PSG's Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring their goal at Arsenal [Dylan Martinez/Reuters]](https://jambobet.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/hhh.webp "hhh")
PSG took a giant step toward their maiden Champions League title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Arsenal in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Ousmane Dembele’s brilliant early finish gave Luis Enrique’s men a slim but valuable lead heading into next week’s return leg in Paris.
The win ended Arsenal’s impressive 17-match unbeaten home record in European competitions and also marked PSG’s second win in their last five matches across all tournaments—though it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Lightning Start From the Visitors
PSG wasted no time asserting themselves. With just four minutes on the clock, French winger Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring with a clinical left-footed strike that kissed the post on its way in, leaving David Raya rooted to the spot.
The goal came after a sharp one-two exchange between Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whose creativity was causing Arsenal all sorts of problems early on. It was Dembele’s 25th goal of the calendar year, and his 11th goal contribution in the Champions League this season, setting a new club record for PSG.
The Emirates was stunned into silence, while PSG’s confident body language spoke volumes.
Ousmane Dembélé with the first-time finish @Heineken | #UCLGOTD pic.twitter.com/lnNCbRwB12
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 29, 2025
PSG Dominate First Half
Luis Enrique’s side were buzzing after the early goal and maintained high intensity throughout the opening 45 minutes. Kvaratskhelia forced a smart save from Raya, and soon after, Desire Doue was denied by a spectacular one-handed stop from the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Arsenal, meanwhile, struggled to gain a foothold. Their midfield was overrun, their full-backs pinned deep, and their usually effective high press was disorganized. Only towards the end of the half did they start to grow into the contest.
Just before the break, Gabriel Martinelli offered a spark of hope for the Gunners, drawing a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, who stretched brilliantly to keep out the Brazilian’s curling effort.
Arsenal Push in Second Half
Arsenal came out for the second half with renewed energy. Within two minutes of the restart, Mikel Merino rose highest to head home Declan Rice’s pinpoint free-kick. The Emirates erupted—only for the celebrations to be cut short by the offside flag.
The disallowed goal ignited Arsenal’s belief. Leandro Trossard, lively all evening, forced Donnarumma into another smart save with a fierce shot from outside the box. The Gunners continued to push forward, roared on by their fans, but struggled to break down PSG’s organized backline.
That Donnarumma save from Trossard was unreal! #LetsFly | @qatarairways pic.twitter.com/XthtNb9Hxq
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 29, 2025
Despite missing key players like Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal showed character but lacked the final touch in crucial moments.
Dembele Injury Forces PSG Change
PSG’s momentum took a slight hit midway through the second half when Dembele was forced off with what appeared to be a minor injury. He was replaced by Bradley Barcola, who almost made an instant impact.
Barcola linked up well with Joao Neves, but the Portuguese midfielder blasted his first opportunity over the crossbar. Moments later, Neves came much closer, guiding a low shot inches wide of the far post after a slick PSG passing move.
The French champions came closest to doubling their lead when Goncalo Ramos unleashed an unexpected toe-poke shot from distance that rattled the crossbar. Arsenal were hanging on at that point, with PSG looking the more composed side in the final stages.
PSG Seize the Advantage
In the end, it was Dembele’s fourth-minute strike that proved decisive. The goal not only handed PSG an edge in the tie, but it also handed Arsenal their first defeat in 13 matches and snapped their unbeaten home record in Europe.
It was a performance full of discipline, precision, and maturity from a PSG team that often gets questioned for lacking resilience in high-stakes European ties. On this night in north London, however, they delivered a statement of intent.
Arsenal now face a mountain to climb when they travel to Parc des Princes in eight days’ time. With no away goals rule in place, the Gunners know that even a one-goal win could force extra time, but they’ll need to be more clinical in front of goal.
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