Ousmane Dembele’s early goal leaves Arsenal requiring a second-leg comeback if they are to keep their Champions League dream alive as Paris Saint-Germain earned a 1-0 win to take back to the French capital.
Arsenal were unable to find the equaliser despite long spells of pressure at the Emirates, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making two excellent saves to deny low shots from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino seeing his header from Declan Rice’s free-kick ruled out for offside.
Merino’s disallowed goal, which came after a three-minute VAR review, punctured some of Arsenal’s belief after they survived a blistering start from PSG, who struck inside four minutes when Dembele finished off a wonderful move with a low shot that snuck inside the post.
David Raya also made a strong save in the first half to deny Desire Doue’s low effort, and it could have been worse for Arsenal with Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos wasting chances on the break late on. Follow all the reaction from Arsenal v PSG below.
Arsenal v Paris Saint-Germain
- Arsenal defeated 1-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League semi-final first leg
- 56’ SAVE! Trossard’s snapshot is pushed wide of the target (ARS 0-1 PSG)
- 50’ DISALLOWED! Merino’s goal is ruled out for offside (ARS 0-1 PSG)
- 47’ GOAL! Merino wins the header from a free kick and scores (ARS 1-1 PSG)
- 45’ SAVE! Donnarumma drops low to keep out Martinelli’s shot (ARS 0-1 PSG)
- 32’ SAVE! Raya drops low to the right and denies Doue (ARS 0-1 PSG)
- 4' GOAL! Dembele's blistering strike gives PSG early lead (ARS 0-1 PSG)
Arsenal FC 0 - 1 Paris Saint-Germain FC
Champions League legend claims Arsenal had ‘fear to win’ against PSG
10:50 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal had a “fear to win” against Paris Saint-Germain and must have a “shift in mentality” to reach the final, according to four-time Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf.
The Gunners knocked out Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, winning at the Bernabeu, and they will have to come from behind against PSG to advance to the Munich final.
But Seedorf, who won the Champions League with Ajax, Real Madrid and Milan, believes Arsenal have to take another step if they are to progress.
Champions League legend claims Arsenal had ‘fear to win’ against PSG
Arsenal can still mount PSG comeback and the route is obvious
10:14 , Miguel DelaneyMikel Arteta might have set the tone after the first leg at Arsenal, as he called for “something special”, but it was maybe Luis Enrique who properly set up the second leg. Despite his Paris Saint-Germain team’s impressive win on Tuesday night, he said “it’s just got started”.
While these may be words that seem general enough in European knock-outs, they touch on a deeper truth at this stage. The second legs of such ties, and especially when they're the semi-finals and so close to the club game’s greatest stage, can turn into whirlwinds.
Arsenal can still mount PSG comeback and the route is obvious
When is the second leg?
07:10 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal go away to Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday, 7 May, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.
Tonight, Inter host Barcelona in the first leg of the other Champions League semi-final.
How Arsenal exposed a PSG weakness - while revealing one of their own
06:54 , Miguel DelaneyThe demand from Mikel Arteta is now obvious, but the manner Arsenal get there is not. He said his team need “something special” after this 1-0 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. There was then the same caveat as after Real Madrid. “It’s only half-time.” Luis Enrique went further, insisting this tie “has only started”.
That should make it even less of a surprise that both managers described this as a game “of different phases”.
There are duly a few ways to look at it, beyond the fact PSG have yet another lead against an English side. The night could have been so much worse for Arsenal, as they had a few issues exposed. They similarly know they can be better. Arsenal showed there are weaknesses to be exploited in the French side, but also so many strengths to try and stop.
How Arsenal exposed a PSG weakness - while revealing one of their own
Why PSG’s electric trick caught Arsenal at the worst possible time
04:52 , Richard JollyIt is part of footballing orthodoxy. A tough away game demands a certain approach in the opening 20 minutes. Keep it tight. Keep everyone behind the ball. Keep it 0-0. Depress the home crowd with dullness and defensiveness. Don’t run forward. But Luis Enrique is not a subscriber to that school of thought.
Enrique sees the pragmatists and scorns them. He approaches football matches like a Formula One grand prix, as though whoever gets to the first bend in the lead wins, even if they need a pit stop and a couple of new tyres somewhere along the way. Paris Saint-Germain were the club who were known for the tragicomic end to their Champions League campaigns. In Enrique’s cultural revolution, they are notable for their scintillating starts.
Why PSG’s electric trick caught Arsenal at the worst possible time
PSG player ratings
03:53 , Jamie BraidwoodGianluigi Donnarumma, 8
The goalkeeper made a huge stop down low to his right to keep out Martinelli’s shot, just before half-time. But his save to deny Trossard after half-time was even better. He got down so quickly to turn it past the post.
Desire Doue, 8
What a talent. As well as an outrageous control from a diagonal switch and a handful of flicks and tricks, there’s plenty of substance in the winger’s game as well. Forced a brilliant stop from Raya.
Ousmane Dembele, 8
Struck a wonderful early opener that began with his drive from midfield. His positional sense to drop deep caused Arsenal all sorts of problems. The finish was wonderful.
Arsenal player ratings
02:52 , Jamie BraidwoodMyles Lewis-Skelly, 8
Provided Arsenal with their first spark with his challenge on Hakimi and surge forward, then played a stunning through ball to set up a big chance for Martinelli. The youngest English player to start a Champions League semi-final, at 18 years and 215 days, and was excellent.
Martin Odegaard, 4
The captain was flapping his arms in frustration as PSG played through the Arsenal press in the opening exchanges, which summed up their difficult start in getting to grips with the opposition’s excellent midfield trio. Not his night and his usual quality was lacking from set-pieces, too.
Gabriel Martinelli, 5
A frustrating night. Had to take the excellent chance set up by Lewis-Skelly just before half-time, but he couldn’t set his finish beyond Donnarumma’s reach.
Arsenal vs PSG player ratings as Martin Odegaard struggles in key midfield battle
01:51 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal will need to win at Paris Saint-Germain if they are to reach a first Champions League final since 2006 after Ousmane Dembele’s early goal handed the French side a 1-0 advantage to take to the Parc des Princes.
Dembele’s strike inside four minutes silenced a raucous Emirates Stadium and Arsenal were on the ropes for much of the first half, with David Raya saving well to keep out Desire Doue’s low shot.
But Mikel Arteta’s side gained a foothold in the semi-final first leg and PSG required goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to make two excellent saves either side of half time, denying Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal also had the ball in the net but Mikel Merino’s header from a Declan Rice free-kick was ruled out for offside, leaving the Gunners requiring a second-leg comeback if they are to reach the Munich final.
Here are how the players rated from the Emirates
Arsenal vs PSG player ratings as Martin Odegaard struggles in key midfield battle
Luis Enrique on second leg against Arsenal
Wednesday 30 April 2025 00:50 , Jamie BraidwoodFollowing their win against Arsenal - which puts them in pole position to face either Barcelona or Inter Milan in next month's showpiece - PSG boss Luis Enrique said: "There was an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium, it was deafening, but we got off to a wonderful start and the early goal gave us a boost of confidence.
"It is mission accomplished for this evening. But our objective is to win the second leg at home. With Arsenal we cannot let our guard down or be complacent because they can score quickly and we are back to square one. Nothing is in the bag. We need to win when we are at home because Arsenal now have nothing to lose."
Mikel Arteta calls on Arsenal to 'do something special' in return leg
Tuesday 29 April 2025 23:50 , Jamie BraidwoodMikel Arteta insisted Arsenal are capable of producing a special moment to overturn their first-leg defeat against Paris St Germain and reach the Champions League final.
Arsenal will head to the French capital next week trailing by a single goal in the last-four fixture after Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates when he struck inside four minutes.
Although Mikel Merino had a second-half goal ruled out for offside, PSG substitute Goncalo Ramos struck David Raya's crossbar in the closing minutes and Arteta's men might count themselves fortunate to still be in the tie.
But Arteta said: "We are at half-time, and my message is exactly the same as it was after we beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the quarter-final. We have to go to Paris and win the game, and we are more than capable of doing it.
"If you want to win the Champions League final, you have to do something special, and we are going to have to do something special in Paris to be there. We still have a lot of chances to be in that final."
Wayne Rooney ‘disappointed’ by Arsenal fans and calls Emirates ‘subdued’
Tuesday 29 April 2025 23:10 , Mike JonesWayne Rooney accused Arsenal fans of believing they were already through to the Champions League final and said he was “disappointed” with the atmosphere at the Emirates for their 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final first leg.
The former Manchester United striker said the Emirates was “subdued” after Ousmane Dembele’s early goal fired PSG into the lead, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making two key saves to protect their advantage in the second half.
Wayne Rooney ‘disappointed’ by Arsenal fans and calls Emirates ‘subdued’
'Mission accomplished'
Tuesday 29 April 2025 23:08 , Mike Jones"Mission accomplished this evening," Luis Enrique said. "Our sole objective is to win the second leg at home as well.
“With Arsenal, we cannot let our guard down and be complacent. This is a team who can completely rewrite history in one second and we'll be back to square one.
“Nothing is in the bag yet, as they'll have nothing to lose."
Luis Enrique on Donnarumma's excellence
Tuesday 29 April 2025 23:04 , Mike JonesLuis Enrique added: "That's the work of a goalkeeper, no? Save the team, they work everyday for that. In a semi-final, you need all the players [including Gianluigi Donnarumma].
"I think it's not important in that moment when you feel that energy. We need to prepare for the second match, it's going to be difficult.
“The result means a little advantage for us. We are going to suffer, we know that. I think we can go to the final but there is still one match."
Luis Enrique gives his reaction to Amazon Prime
Tuesday 29 April 2025 23:00 , Mike JonesThe PSG manager said: "I think emotions are at that level in those kind of matches so it's difficult to analyse. Great atmosphere but we showed the kind of team we are.
“We tried to play our way and scored the goal early playing the way we play. We suffered sometimes but could have scored the second goal. The second match is going to be very tough.”
Will Partey make a difference?
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:58 , Mike Jones"I think Declan [Rice] and Mikel [Merino] were enormous,” said Mikel Arteta when asked if his team missed Thomas Partey tonight.
"He [Partey] gives options and a different threat. It gives us flexibility to change the game.
"It's half-time and we have a big chance to be in the final."
More from Arteta
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:51 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal boss also spoke about the disallowed goal and his team’s missed chances.
"Great timing, the margins, millimetres offside,” he said after Mikel Merino’s equaliser was ruled out.
“The action of [Gabriel] Martinelli one-on-one, he has done that before. [Leandro] Trossard in a one-on-one and he [Donnarumma] makes the save.
“That's the margins, that's the level."
Arteta is disappointed with result
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:48 , Mike JonesArsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he is disappointed with the result and believes his team deserved at least a draw.
The manager told Amazon Prime: "Disappointed with the result. We put so much into the game. We struggled first 10-15 minutes to get momentum and dominance. Disappointed not to get a draw at least.
"That is always the danger, credit to them [for their quick start]. They get out of a situation that is close. We had seven players behind the ball and they were clinical, sometimes you just have to recognise the talent of the individual."
Rooney reveals how Arsenal can win second leg
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:45 , Mike JonesWayne Rooney says that Arsenal must slow the game down at the Parc des Princes if they hope to get themselves into the Champions League final.
Speaking on Amazon Prime he said: “I hope Arsenal go on and win the competition, but they have to go in to the second leg with belief.
“They have to be patient, slow the game down, take the ball at the right times and be clinical.”
'It was a great night'
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:42 , Mike JonesPSG midfielder Vitinha told Amazon Prime: "It was a great night, mostly for the group. It was a very good performance for the team. We had the ball most of the games. This game we had to adapt to the different circumstances and we did it. We defended well and we attacked well.
"That [the goal they scored] shows the dynamic that we have and the strong collective. It is not over and we have to have a strong match in Paris.
"He [Donnarumma] had a great match but the team was the key. We could have scored more but we are glad for 1-0 and we will do everything our power to go to the final.”
What will Arsenal do in the second leg?
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:39 , Mike JonesMore of the same says David Raya.
He explained: "Try to approach the game the same way. We played well, we put them on the backfoot, hurt them and we created a lot of chances as well. We know we can win against any team.
"That's what I'm there for. To help the team and luckily enough I managed to save it and happy with that. Let's go next week in Paris."
'We know how important Partey is'
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:35 , Mike JonesThomas Partey’s absence cost Arsenal tonight as the midfielder would have been more aware of the threat of Ousmane Dembele at the start of the game.
David Raya said: "We know how important Thomas Partey is but lucky enough we have good depth in midfield that everyone can step in.
“Declan [Rice] as the six showed a good game, he was good on the ball and everyone was really good today."
More from Raya
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:32 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal goalkeeper added: "We know they keep possession a lot and are good at that. They had that chance and put it in the net, this is football and we had chances to score but we didn't manage to.
"I've not seen [disallowed] goal back but we needed that lift and we showed from the 25th minute of the first half that we can win against any team. We have showed in the season we can win away games too so we'll go to Paris next week trying to win.”
David Raya on where Arsenal went wrong
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:28 , Mike JonesArsenal goalkeeper David Raya spoke to Amazon Prime after the match and revealed where his team went wrong tonight.
He said: "They started quick with a goal and they dominated the first 15-20 minutes but after that we dominated most of the game, created the chances. Donnarumma made some good saves.
“It's only half-time, we take positives. They are a top team but credit to the players for the effort - we could've won the game.”
'PSG will be disappointed'
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:16 , Mike JonesFormer Arsenal forward Theo Walcott said: “Arsenal are still in the game.
“If it was 2-0 then it would potentially kill the tie. PSG will be disappointed it's only one.”
'PSG could have won by two or three'
Tuesday 29 April 2025 22:09 , Mike JonesAmazon Prime pundit and former Manchester United forward, Wayne Rooney, gave his reaction after the match.
He said: “PSG could have won the game by two or three.
“I was a bit disappointed with how Arsenal played and the fans too. It was subdued.
“It was like they beat Real Madrid and would walk into the final.”
Advantage PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:57 , Richard Jolly, at the EmiratesTheir games are open and entertaining and they can concede - indeed, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City have all scored at the Parc des Princes this season. Yet Arsenal face a huge task, in part because of the difficulty keeping a clean sheet there.
Full-time! Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:54 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: Rice is on set piece duty again. This one comes over to the far post but the whistle goes as Donnarumma goes to ground after a nudge from White.
This has been a frustrating night for Arsenal and the full-time whistle goes.
PSG take the advantage back to France. They’ve been the better team tonight and the hard work is just beginning for the Gunners.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:53 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Martinelli gets down the left wing and wins Arsenal a corner.
One last chance to equalise and set up this tie?
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:49 , Mike Jones90 mins: Five minutes to play at the end of this match. Ethan Nwaneri comes on to replace Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:47 , Mike Jones88 mins: Martinelli wins a free kick over to the left of the penalty area.
Rice stands over the ball and fizzes it into the middle of the box.
There’s too many bodies to beat and PSG clear the danger.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:45 , Mike Jones86 mins: Crossbar!
PSG play over the top and get Goncalo Ramos in behind the lines.
He’s in a similar position to Barcola moments earlier and toe pokes a shot at goal.
It rattles the crossbar and bounces back into play. Danergous times for Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:43 , Mike Jones83 mins: Chance!
Barcola should make it 2-0. He makes a superb run off the ball and is fed into the box.
He collects it, shifts away from the nearest defender then curls his effort wide of the far post.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:42 , Mike Jones80 mins: Jurrien Timber has picked up a knock and tries to run it off.
He’s still got some discomfort though and Mikel Arteta replaces him with Ben White.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:35 , Mike Jones77 mins: Goncalo Ramos is on for PSG as well now. Desire Doue is the man he’s replaced.
The scoreline is only 0-1 so it’s not a disaster for Arsenal but they could do with a goal to make themselves feel better after a tough match thus far.
Saka shoots from the right side and forces another stop out of Donnarumma but there was an offside in the build up.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:34 , Mike Jones74 mins: Saka tries to force his way into the box from the left but is taken down, legally, by Nuno Mendes who comes out of the challenge with the ball.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:32 , Miguel Delaney, at the Emirates70 mins: It's become a much more traditional European tie now, much more tactical. PSG haven't actually created an opening for a while, as Arsenal have penned them back. That huge chance for Trossard feels like it could be instructive for this whole tie. That is where PSG's vulnerability is, that open space behind Hakimi. Marquinhos struggles to cover it.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:29 , Mike Jones69 mins: Luis Enrique is the first manager to look to the bench.
Ousmane Dembele goes off, to good cheers from the PSG fans, and Bradley Barcola comes on instead.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:26 , Mike Jones66 mins: David Raya has come out of his penalty are on a number of occasions to try and force Arsenal higher up the pitch.
They’ve dipped in tempo here and Mikel Arteta may want to think about making some changes to freshen things up.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:22 , Mike Jones63 mins: Another attempted pass through the lines to Dembele goes wide and is cleaned up by Raya.
The visitors are clicking again and Arsenal need to be wary of overcommitting in search of the equaliser.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:19 , Mike Jones59 mins: PSG have weathered a small Arsenal storm at the start of this half.
They’re trying to extend their lead as well as Dembele slips Hakimi into the box.
He’s got the goalkeeper to beat but William Saliba lunges across and times his tackle to perfection.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:15 , Mike Jones56 mins: Save!
Rice strides up the pitch with the ball and releases it across to Trossard.
Trossard weaves into the box and shoots but Donnarumma drops again and tips this effort wide of the far post!
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:13 , Mike Jones53 mins: It’s been better from Arsenal who have played themselves into the game.
PSG attempt to assert some control by maintaining possession and forcing the Gunners out of their defensive shape.
DISALLOWED! Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:10 , Mike Jones50 mins: Arsenal’s joy turns to disappointment as the goal is chalked away.
VAR looked over the goal and decided that the Arsenal forwards were offside so the goal won’t stand.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 PSG (Mikel Merino, 47')
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:06 , Mike JonesResponse!
Arsenal win a free kick inside the oppositions final third. Declan Rice swings the ball into the box and picks out the head of Mikel Merino.
The makeshift forward glances the ball into the bottom corner and Arsenal are on level terms again.
Second half! Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:04 , Mike JonesNo changes from either manager as Arsenal get the ball rolling at the Emirates once more.
Is there a way back into this match for them?
HT Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 21:01 , Mike JonesAlan Shearer praised Gianluigi Donnarumma at the end of the first half for making a save to deny Gabriel Martinelli.
He said: “Donnarumma is a huge figure when you're staring down at him. It's a great save.
“Arsenal have been much, much better in the last 10 minutes.”
HT Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:57 , Mike JonesThat was a tale of two halves. PSG started as the sharper team creating six attempts with four of them on target.
Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal and shocked the Gunners but they came back into the game.
By half-time, Arsenal had five efforts and four on target for themselves.
There xG is way higher too at 1.22 compared to PSG’s 0.29.
Promising signs for the Gunners.
HT Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:53 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:49 , Mike Jones45+3 mins: The match officials are booed as they head off the pitch.
Other than a few harsh yellow cards the referee has done okay.
His decisions have been the right ones for the most part.
Arsenal showed increasing promise as the half went on which will encourage Mikel Arteta going into the second half.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:47 , Mike Jones45 mins: In quick succession, Saka and Hakimi are booked for dissent after decisions are given against their respective teams.
Chance!
Lewis-Skelly collects the ball into the middle and drives forward before slipping a pass in behind.
Martinelli sprints onto the ball, touches it into the box and shoots only for Donnarumma to deny him with a save to his left.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:44 , Miguel Delaney, at the Emirates41 mins: Arsenal finally fashion a proper opportunity, and one they may feel they should have scored. They had already enjoyed some openings on PSG's right, and that was where Jakub Kiwior suddenly opened the way for Mikel Merino. Just as the midfielder was about to finish, though, Vitinha came out of nowhere to claim a touch - and a clean touch - to turn away the chance. PSG have just lost control a little. Arsenal can sense a shift.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:43 , Mike Jones42 mins: Saka and Martinelli swap positions and the English winger receives the ball.
He floats one across the box, beats the goalkeeper in the air and almost finds the Brazilian by the far post but Martinelli’s lunge for the ball comes up just short.
A toe on it there and that’s a certain goal.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:41 , Mike Jones40 mins: Saka has had a quiet night so far but decides to dribble inside from the right and take a shot.
His effort is a decent one but it comes straight to Donnarumma who scoops up the ball without issue.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:40 , Mike Jones38 mins: Odegaard’s cross doesn’t beat the first defender and Kvaratskhelia heads it away.
Arsenal recover the ball and work it to the left wing. It’s pulled back into the area where Vitinha beats Merino to the ball.
He takes out the Arsenal man in the aftermath but the referee lets play go on and denies the Gunners a penalty.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:38 , Mike Jones35 mins: PSG are quickly back into position as Arsenal look to burst up the pitch.
Trossard loses possession but Lewis-Skelly jumps on the ball and wins a free kick after a foul by Joao Neves.
This is a dangerous one for the visitors. Odegaard will look to deliver it into the box.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:34 , Mike Jones32 mins: Since the goal there hasn’t been many clear cut chances.
Arsenal are getting a bit more joy in the middle of the pitch but there’s a frantic and nervous energy around the defence when PSG fly forward.
Save!
Dembele runs into the box and holds up the ball. He pokes it into the penalty area where Desire Doue collects possession, take one, two touches then drills a low effort at goal.
David Raya reacts quickly and drops to the right where a strong hand keeps the ball from crossing the line.
Best chance since the goal.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:32 , Miguel Delaney, at the Emirates31 mins: Arsenal are finally starting to come into the game a bit but it's almost dangerous because of PSG's ability to switch it so quickly. You can be patiently building an attack at one end, and then seconds later you're requiring a desperate interception near your own box. That has already happened twice.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:31 , Mike Jones30 mins: A quick counter from PSG is led by Hakimi driving the ball forward.
He holds onto possession despite an attempted tackle from Kiwior and finds Fabian Ruiz.
Ruiz slips a pass to Kvaratskhelia who dances inside and shoots only for his effort to be deflected into the path of David Raya.
The Arsenal goalkeeper smothers it.
'Arsenal need to weather the storm'
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:29 , Richard Jolly, at the EmiratesPSG do tend to start fast, even - or maybe especially - away from home. They were similarly impressive at the start away at both Liverpool and Aston Villa. Part of the challenge for Arsenal is to weather the storm and look to have a period on top. Villa started to get a foothold after about half an hour.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:29 , Mike Jones27 mins: Arsenal win themselves a free kick just inside PSG’s half. Martin Odegaard delivers it forward and picks out Jakub Kiwior in the box.
The Gunners’ defender gets his head to the ball and turns it towards goal but it’s a simple claim for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:25 , Mike Jones24 mins: Bukayo Saka lofts a pass into the box and watches as the ball drops to Martinelli.
The Brazilian weaves around Marquinhos and pokes the ball across goal.
Leandro Trossard sticks out a toe but can’t reach it and PSG manage to get the ball clear.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:23 , Mike Jones21 mins: Still all PSG in terms of possession. It’s been a tough start to this match for Arsenal who are scrambling to try and get themselves a foothold in the game.
Merino gives up another free kick and looks a little slow in the middle of the pitch. It’s unsurprising with how he’s been playing up front from the last few months.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:20 , Mike Jones18 mins: The visiting French fans are in full voice in the section of the crowd. They’re excited by this performance already.
Jurrien Timber is punished for a late lunge high up the pitch.
Things are starting to boil over a bit and the referee decides to calm things down a bit with words to the captains.
Dembele causing Arsenal problems
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:18 , Richard Jolly, at the EmiratesAn electric start by Paris Saint-Germain, capped by Ousmane Dembele's goal. The finish is only part of the issues he is causing Arsenal, who are struggling to track him when he drops deep. They may be counting the cost of Thomas Partey's needless late booking in the Bernabeu. He would surely have been charged with dealing Dembele when he is more false nine than centre-forward
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:16 , Mike Jones15 mins: Shaky times for Arsenal. PSG’s passing and pace is too sharp at the minute.
Marquinhos goes forward and gets into the box off the ball just as the cross is curled into the middle.
He wins the header but sends the ball into the arms of David Raya.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:14 , Mike Jones12 mins: Leandro Trossard stops a promising counter-attack from PSG but gets booked for doing so. It’s definitely a foul but a harsh booking for the Arsenal forward.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:12 , Mike Jones9 mins: Martinelli has the beating of Marquinhos in terms of pace but the centre-back sticks with the winger and deflects the attempted cross behind for a corner.
Rice moves over to take the set piece and whips the ball into the middle of the box.
Mikel Merino gets a head to the ball and nods it across the area but PSG manage to hook it clear.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:08 , Mike Jones6 mins: Rice tells his teammates to calm down as there is a long way to go in this tie.
Gabriel Martinelli gets forward on the left and lifts a cross into the box but Gianluigi Donnarumma is on hand to pluck it out of the sky.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 PSG (Ousmane Dembele, 4')
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:07 , Mike JonesWow!
That’s a superb goal from Ousmane Dembele. PSG pass the ball from back to front with a pacey ball into the feet of Dembele.
He spins in the middle of the pitch and drives forward before sending the ball out to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left.
The winger dribbles up to the box, rolls it back to Dembele who then fizzes a first time shot into the far corner where the ball strikes the inside of the post and crosses the line.
Arsenal 0-0 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:05 , Mike Jones3 mins: A high press from Arsenal forces PSG to boot the ball down the right wing and gift it back to the Gunners.
It’s played into midfield towards Mikel Merino who is beaten to the ball by a surging Achraf Hakimi.
The defender is clipped by Merino and wins a free kick that PSG take quickly.
Before the game Declan Rice told his teammates that if Arsenal don’t have the ball they’ll ‘die’. So far, PSG have seen most of the possession.
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 PSG
Tuesday 29 April 2025 20:02 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal supporters unfurled a banner reading ‘Make It Happen’ ahead of kick off.
They are properly up for this match tonight and Mikel Arteta has told them to be loud throughout the game.
The visitors get the ball rolling at the Emirates Stadium and this Champions League semi-final is underway.
Arsenal vs PSG reminder of team news and how to watch
Tuesday 29 April 2025 19:58 , Jamie BraidwoodConfirmed line-ups
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
PSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Doue, Dembele
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Amazon Prime Video.
