Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday evening, leaving the Gunners with plenty of work to do in the return leg at the Emirates Stadium next week.
In a match characterised by intense pressure and tactical discipline, the Parisians found their breakthrough in the second half, with Kylian Mbappé’s superb strike proving to be the difference between the two sides.
The game started with both teams showing great intent, but PSG had the first real opportunity when Lionel Messi’s delicate through ball found Mbappé, whose shot was narrowly saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal, however, were resolute in defence, with Gabriel Magalhães and Ben White forming a solid partnership at the back.
Arsenal looked to counter-attack quickly, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard combining well in midfield. Despite their best efforts, PSG’s defence, marshalled by Marquinhos and Sergio Ramos, held firm, preventing the Gunners from finding any meaningful openings.
The breakthrough came just after the 65th minute when Mbappé picked up the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner of the net, leaving Ramsdale with no chance. It was a moment of magic from the French forward, who has continued to impress on the biggest stage.
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Arsenal tried to respond, with Saka testing PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a powerful shot from range, but the Italian was equal to the task, ensuring his side kept a clean sheet. In the closing stages, Arsenal pressed for an equaliser, but PSG’s defence remained resolute, ensuring their slim advantage heading into the second leg.
PSG manager Christophe Galtier praised his team’s resilience after the match. “It was a hard-fought victory, but we showed our quality at key moments,” said Galtier. “Arsenal are a fantastic team, and we know that the tie is far from over, but we’re pleased with the result tonight.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, remained optimistic despite the defeat. “We came here with a plan and gave it everything, but sometimes you need that little bit of luck in front of goal,” said Arteta. “We’ll go back home, regroup, and come out fighting in the second leg. It’s only half-time in this tie.”
With the return leg set to take place next Wednesday at the Emirates, both teams will be fully aware that the tie is far from decided, and the battle for a place in the final remains finely poised.
