Early on in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, Ousmane Dembele gave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) a vital 1-0 victory over Arsenal.
Opening the score in the fourth minute, the French forward closed off a perfect delivery from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with an amazing strike that gave PSG the advantage approaching the return leg.
Luis Enrique’s side controlled possession and generated more opportunities than their opponents, therefore ruling the first half. Although they almost increased their lead, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial stop to keep the Gunners in the game.
On the other side, Gianluigi Donnarumma turned out to be a wall in goal for PSG, making several vital stops to keep Arsenal away. The guests also tactically neutralised Bukayo Saka, therefore restricting his impact all through the game.
Having been crucial in PSG’s past knockout triumphs—saving penalties against Liverpool and providing a match-winning performance against Aston Villa—Donnarumma carried on his excellent form on the grand stage.
“That was a fantastic night for the group,” PSG midfielder Vitinha remarked. “Most of the game, we had the ball. We had to adjust to several facets of the game and did—in attack and defence as well.”
Arsenal fought for an equaliser and developed into the game from a slow start. Though his goal was denied, Mikel Merino believed he had levelled the score.
For Arsenal, who is playing in their first Champions League quarterfinal since 2009, the outcome was letdown. Still, keeper David Raya is cheerful.
“We proved from the 25th minute that we are capable of competing any team. We have shown this season that we can win away from home, so next week we will visit Paris to acquire the required outcome,” Raya remarked.
With a spot in the Champions League final on line, the two sides will square off in the decisive second leg at Parc des Princes in Paris on Thursday, May 8.
