Ousmane Dembele’s early goal handed PSG the advantage in their Champions League semi-final tie against Arsenal as the Ligue 1 giants secured a 1-0 win at the Emirates on Tuesday, April 29. Dembele scored in the fourth minute to hand PSG the lead and the visitors held on to their slender lead and thwarted the attacks from the home side to take one step closer to the final.
Arsenal, who were playing in the final four of the UCL for the first time since 2009, improved after a lacklustre start and had a goal from Mikel Merino ruled out as Gianluigi Donnarumma was made to work hard for his clean sheet on the night. The Ligue 1 giants had the chance to have a bigger lead heading into the second leg but Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos squandered their chances in the end.
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Arsenal beat PSG during the league phase of the Champions League this season but Luis Enrique’s side has since improved and have proven to be a menace for English sides in the competition. The Gunners could barely get a kick in the first 25 minutes as it was all PSG at the Emirates stadium with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia proving to be a menace for Mikel Arteta’s men.
The Georgian winger set up the goal for Dembele after receiving the ball on the left and surging into the area as the Frenchmen slotted home his 8th goal in the competition. Arsenal were left shellshocked and things could have gotten worse had Marquinhos’ header not been straight at David Raya. The Spaniard also kept out attempts from Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.
Arsenal were finally able to get their heads back in the game as Gabriel Martinelli was close to connecting with a cross by Bukayo Saka and had his low shot saved by Donnarumma at the stroke of half-time.
The Gunners thought they had got the equaliser when Merino headed in from a free-kick by Declan Rice, but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out. Arsenal were able to take control of proceedings but Donnarumma remained resolute in goal and saved a low shot from Trossard to keep the score in favour of the Ligue 1 giants.
The second leg of the semi-final will be played on May 7.
