Ousmane Dembélé’s electric early goal and Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics between the posts handed Paris Saint-Germain a vital 1-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
It took just four minutes for Dembélé to silence a frenzied north London crowd. PSG’s stunning 26-pass sequence its longest for a Champions League goal since Opta records began culminated in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia setting up the French winger. With one devastating left-footed strike that pinged in off the far post, Dembélé delivered his 33rd goal of the season, underlining his extraordinary 2025 form.
The Ligue 1 champions had Arsenal reeling early. David Raya was forced into a superb save from Désiré Doué shortly after the opener, while Marquinhos and Kvaratskhelia also threatened. However, as the half progressed, Arsenal found rhythm and nearly levelled before the break when 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly threaded a sublime pass to Gabriel Martinelli, only for Donnarumma to produce a sensational stop.
The Gunners thought they had drawn level minutes into the second half when Mikel Merino nodded in from a Declan Rice free-kick, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Leandro Trossard’s darting run and powerful strike in the 56th minute brought an even greater save from Donnarumma, who once again demonstrated why he remains one of Europe’s premier goalkeepers.
Despite Arsenal dominating possession between the 30th and 60th minute, PSG’s game management kicked in. Luis Enrique’s side slowed the tempo, absorbing pressure while still posing danger on the break. Substitute Bradley Barcola and striker Gonçalo Ramos missed golden chances to seal a second goal, with Ramos striking the bar late on.
Ultimately, Dembélé’s brilliance may have secured the headlines, but it was Donnarumma’s five crucial saves his joint-most in a Champions League game that ensured PSG will take a slender advantage back to Paris for the second leg on May 7. Notably, the Italian’s performance marked the most saves by a PSG goalkeeper without conceding in a UCL knockout match since 2003-04.
For Arsenal, this was a first home European defeat in 18 matches and a sobering reminder of the margins at the highest level. Yet, having already dispatched Real Madrid in dominant fashion, Mikel Arteta’s men will believe they can overturn the deficit at the Parc des Princes. Their Champions League dream may be bruised, but it’s far from over.
The semi-final remains finely poised, with PSG holding the edge but haunted by their past collapses, they know the job is only half done.
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