Arsenal vs PSG – Full Match Recap, Lineups, Predictions and Champions League Outlook

In a pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg clash on April 29, 2025, Arsenal vs PSG ended with a narrow but significant 1-0 victory for Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium. The match was a showcase of tactical intensity, technical excellence, and fine margins—perfectly encapsulating the stakes of Europe’s top club competition.

This match marked a return to the Champions League semi-final stage for Arsenal after a 16-year absence, and despite the defeat, there remains much to be optimistic about for the second leg in Paris.

Arsenal vs PSG Highlights

• Ousmane Dembélé scored for PSG after a 26-pass team move, finishing with precision past David Raya.
• Arsenal thought they had equalised through Mikel Merino, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside.
• PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made several critical saves, including strong stops from Leandro Trossard and Martin Ødegaard.
• PSG’s back line, marshaled by Marquinhos and Milan Škriniar, effectively nullified Arsenal’s attacking threats.
• Arsenal increased their pressure in the second half, but failed to convert their chances into goals.
• Managers Mikel Arteta and Luis Enrique engaged in a tactical chess match, with PSG’s compact formation frustrating Arsenal’s width-driven attack.

Arsenal vs PSG Today Match Overview

The first leg of this Champions League semi-final was a testament to how far Arsenal have come under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners dominated possession (56%) and created more attempts on goal, but it was PSG’s ruthlessness and experience in Europe that proved the difference.

Arsenal’s pressing game and transitions were largely effective but lacked the final product. Meanwhile, PSG executed their game plan with discipline, patience, and one moment of attacking brilliance early on.

Despite the loss, Arsenal still have everything to play for in the return leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025.

Arsenal vs PSG Prediction (Second Leg)

Looking ahead to the second leg in Paris:

PSG Advantage: Holding a 1-0 lead and playing at home gives PSG the edge. Their experience in handling high-pressure Champions League ties could prove decisive.

Arsenal’s Opportunity: The Gunners have shown resilience this season and have the tools to overturn the deficit. A goal in Paris changes the dynamics quickly.

Key Battles to Watch:

Declan Rice vs Vitinha – Controlling midfield tempo will be vital.

Saka vs Mendes – Arsenal’s star man must find space against an athletic full-back.

Gabriel Jesus (if fit) vs Marquinhos – Arsenal’s striker must rediscover his finishing form.

Prediction: PSG 1-1 Arsenal (PSG advance 2-1 on aggregate) – though it wouldn’t be surprising if this tie heads into extra time.

Arsenal vs PSG Lineups

Here’s a detailed table of the starting XIs and key substitutes used during the match:

Arsenal	Position	PSG	Position
David Raya	Goalkeeper	Gianluigi Donnarumma	Goalkeeper
Ben White	Right Back	Achraf Hakimi	Right Back
William Saliba	Centre Back	Marquinhos (C)	Centre Back
Gabriel Magalhães	Centre Back	Milan Škriniar	Centre Back
Oleksandr Zinchenko	Left Back	Nuno Mendes	Left Back
Declan Rice	Defensive Midfield	Manuel Ugarte	Defensive Midfield
Martin Ødegaard (C)	Central Midfield	Vitinha	Central Midfield
Mikel Merino	Central Midfield	Warren Zaïre-Emery	Central Midfield
Bukayo Saka	Right Wing	Ousmane Dembélé	Right Wing
Leandro Trossard	Left Wing	Kylian Mbappé	Left Wing
Gabriel Martinelli	Forward	Randal Kolo Muani	Forward

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Key Substitutes:

Arsenal: Kai Havertz, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson

PSG: Bradley Barcola, Lee Kang-In, Nordi Mukiele

Arsenal vs PSG Champions League Context

This semi-final is crucial for both clubs:

• Arsenal are seeking their first-ever Champions League title, having last reached the final in 2006.
• PSG, perennial contenders, are eager to lift their first Champions League trophy, having fallen short in 2020.

The first leg set up a blockbuster second match in Paris. With just one goal separating the teams, everything remains on the line for two clubs chasing European glory.

Final Thoughts

The Arsenal vs PSG semi-final clash lived up to expectations, with drama, tactical nuance, and elite football on display. While PSG take the advantage back home, Arsenal fans can hold onto hope. The Gunners showed enough promise to suggest this tie is far from over.

If the Emirates showdown was any indication, the return leg in Paris promises to be unforgettable.