Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will head into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal with a slender 1-0 advantage after edging a tightly contested clash in north London.
The Emirates was buzzing with Arsenal fans highly anticipating an exciting match, however, that energy was quickly dampened when Ousmane Dembélé finished off a slick PSG move just three minutes in, giving the visitors an ideal start.
PSG dominated the opening half-hour, impressing with their fluid positioning and crisp passing, and nearly doubled their lead when Désiré Doué forced a fine save from David Raya.
Arsenal gradually found their footing, driven by set pieces and moments of brilliance from Bukayo Saka. They came close to equalizing late in the first half, but Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Gabriel Martinelli in a one-on-one just before the break.
Shortly after the restart, Mikel Merino thought he’d scored a leveller, only for VAR to disallow his header. Donnarumma then pulled off an even better stop, tipping Leandro Trossard’s curling effort past the post.
Despite Arsenal’s resurgence, PSG regained control and expertly managed the final half-hour. While Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos squandered chances to add a second, Luis Enrique will be pleased with his side’s disciplined performance and the valuable away win.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now have to go and beat PSG next Wednesday to stand a chance of advance.
”We have to go there and beat them,” said Arteta’s after the match.
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