Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal 1-0 within the first leg of their Champions League semifinal Tuesday, constructing a bonus to take residence to the French capital for subsequent week’s second leg.
Main scorer Ousmane Dembele continued his exceptional season by scoring the lone purpose of the match. He smacked a low shot in off the publish within the fourth minute of play on the Emirates Stadium. He later left the sport within the second half with an obvious damage, which coach Luis Enrique might be sweating forward of the return fixture.
“It is not severe, it is one thing very minor, however he is in all probability a doubt for the second leg,” the PSG coach mentioned of his star ahead’s standing.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, one among PSG’s protagonists throughout their Champions League run, stood tall to forestall an Arsenal equalizer, making 5 saves in the course of the engrossing contest.
He denied Gabriel Martinelli in a one-on-one state of affairs within the first half, then produced a shocking fingertip save to maintain out Leandro Trossard’s effort after the interval and protect the slim win.
Arsenal’s first residence defeat in 18 European matches means they will want to drag off a uncommon comeback to succeed in their first Champions League ultimate since 2006; solely two groups have ever reached the showpiece match after dropping the primary leg of the semifinal tie at residence.
“It is a good assertion, it’s totally laborious to win right here,” PSG midfielder Vitinha mentioned after the match, in response to Agence France-Presse. “We thought that in October (when PSG misplaced 2-0). We performed effectively even when we did not have the ball like we normally do. That is what good groups do. After they should defend, they defend. We’ve got to adapt to every match.”
Arsenal thought they discovered an equalizer early within the second half, however Mikel Merino was offside, barely, earlier than heading residence a free-kick from Declan Rice. The purpose was chalked off after a prolonged VAR assessment.
The match ebbed and flowed, with PSG’s skillful forwards wanting harmful each time they broke ahead and Arsenal carrying a menace in possession.
PSG might come to rue a pair of late missed alternatives, as substitutes Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos every got here inside inches of extending the French facet’s lead within the ultimate 10 minutes. The previous slid a shot agonizingly vast, whereas the Portuguese striker hit the crossbar.
The second leg is slated for Might 7 on the Parc des Princes.
The winner of the tie will play both Barcelona or Inter Milan within the Champions League ultimate.
