Match Recap: PSG’s Early Blow
Paris St-Germain silenced the Emirates crowd just four minutes in when Ousmane Dembélé curled a clinical finish past David Raya after a slick assist from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The goal capped a 26-pass move – PSG’s longest buildup in UCL history – exposing Arsenal’s shaky defensive structure without Thomas Partey.
PSG dominated early, with Raya forced into saves from Marquinhos and teenage sensation Désiré Doué. Yet Arsenal grew into the game, and Mikel Merino thought he’d equalized early in the second half – only for VAR to rule his header offside .
🧤 Donnarumma Denies Arsenal
Gianluigi Donnarumma proved PSG’s hero again, making stunning stops from Gabriel Martinelli (one-on-one) and Leandro Trossard (finger-tip save) . The Italian’s saves kept PSG’s clean sheet intact – their sixth in this UCL campaign .
Personal Take 😤:
“Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge frustrated me. Martinelli has to score that chance before halftime. Donnarumma was phenomenal, but we made him look unbeatable.”
⚖️ Second-Leg Outlook
With PSG wasting late chances (Barcola skying a sitter, Ramos hitting the bar), the tie remains alive. But history isn’t on Arsenal’s side:
- Only 2 teams since 1996 have overturned a home first-leg loss in a UCL semi (Tottenham 2019, Ajax 1996) .
- PSG are unbeaten vs English clubs this season (wins over Liverpool, Man City, Villa) .
My Verdict 💡:
“Partey’s return in Paris could stabilize midfield, but Arsenal must be more ruthless. The Bernabéu comeback proved they can defy odds – but PSG are a different beast.”
