The French champions are one leg away from making their first champions League final since 2020 when they ultimately lost to German side Bayern Munich 1-0 behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions. Last night showed why they are domestic champions with a dominant display over North London side Arsenal at the Emirates to put them closer to achieving their first ever European trophy.
Ousmane Dembele scored within the first five minutes of the match when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia took on Jurrien Timber down the left hand side to drag it back towards the french striker whose shot wasn’t pretty at first contact but beautifully drifted past David Raya into the corner off the post, giving elation to the away fans who brought a lively atmosphere. The Gunners spanish keeper kept them in it with two big saves in the first thirty minutes denying their rivals to double their advantage and give the Emirates faithful hope.
The home side came into the game better towards the end of the first half with a huge opportunity falling to Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli which was impressively saved by a strong Gianluigi Donnarumma hand to keep the score 1-0 at half time.
Arsenal came out the second half with more energy following the half-time break and levelled the game within the first minute as Declan Rice whipped in a lovely free-kick which Mikel Merino converted for the Gunners. However Joyous moments turned to sorrow within three minutes when the Slovenian officials on VAR ruled out the goal due to an offside call on the Midfielder which was shown by semi automated offside system. No goal for the Arsenal.
Neither side really threatened for a large period, but that was until Leandro Trossard in the 60th minute found himself with a huge oppurtunity after being played through by Declan Rice to level the game as he released the shot from a tight angle which was also saved by Gianlugi Donnarumma in the PSG net to keep the scoreline intact.
The clear cut chances near the end fell to the away side when Bradley Barcola off of the bench came on to find himself in acres of space as he dragged his shot just wide of the post and Goncalo Ramos also fresh off of the bench seen his shot rebound of the crossbar as the North London side believed he was offside but replays showed he was in fact just played on.
The supposed biggest night at the Emirates in 20 years concluded in dull fashion for the Gunners as they were defeated 1-0 at the full time whistle leaving them with work to do in the second leg in France..
Arsenal Manager spoke after the game to say that his side are going to have to do “something special” in order to reach the champions league final:
The second leg will take place next Wednesday at 20:00 BST as the Gunners will look to make a historic comeback in the hope of winning their first ever Champions League trophy at the end of May.