UEFA UCL SEMI FINAL Leg 1: Arsenal vs PSG

rsenal suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinal first leg, leaving our European dreams hanging by a thread after a performance brimming with missed opportunities and contentious moments. Despite the setback, the narrow margin ensures everything remains possible in next week’s decider in Paris.  

PSG struck early, silencing the Emirates crowd just four minutes as Ousmane Dembélé capitalized on a slick counterattack. The visitors dominated the opening half-hour, with Donnarumma rarely tested while David Raya denied PSG a second goal with a stunning save on Désiré Doué. Arsenal grew into the game before halftime, nearly equalizing from  Gabriel Martinelli's attempt.  

Arsenal thought they’d leveled early in the second half when Mikel Merino powered home a Declan Rice free kick, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Donnarumma then stole the show, tipping a Leandro Trossard drive wide and smothering a late Lewis-Skelly effort. PSG squandered chances to extend their lead, with Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos and Joao Neves wasting gilt-edged opportunities, but Arsenal’s attacking struggles persisted as their final-third precision deserted them.  

Declan Rice battled tirelessly in midfield, orchestrating transitions and delivering dangerous set pieces, while Lewis-Skelly’s fearless dribbling and vision offered glimmers of promise. Saliba anchored the backline admirably, limiting PSG’s threats after the early goal, but the lack of cutting edge up front proved costly.  

While the result stings, Arsenal’s European campaign has been defined by resilience-remember Bayern and Real Madrid. A single goal separates them from a final in Munich, and with away triumphs already etched into this season’s lore, the tie remains alive. There is more live in this team to turn it around. This is Arsenal: down but not out. The comeback starts now. C'mon Arsenal!