Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed a slender 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash, courtesy of an early goal from Ousmane Dembele at the Emirates Stadium.
The French international broke the deadlock just four minutes in, capping off a swift attacking move he had initiated himself.
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Dembele latched onto a well-placed pass and steered a precise first-time effort in off the post to give the visitors a dream start.
Despite the early setback, Arsenal gradually grew into the contest and thought they had levelled shortly after the interval.
Mikel Merino rose to meet Declan Rice’s free-kick and powered a header into the net, but celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled the goal out for a marginal offside.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma proved crucial in maintaining his side’s lead, producing important saves to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
The Ligue 1 champions, meanwhile, missed several chances to extend their advantage.
Vitinha Neves missed a golden opportunity, Gonçalo Ramos rattled the crossbar, and Bradley Barcola failed to hit the target with a late attempt.
Statistically, Arsenal finished the match with a higher expected goals tally of 1.65 compared to PSG’s 1.14, highlighting the Premier League side’s wastefulness in front of goal.
The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg, scheduled for next Wednesday at the Parc des Princes.
Before then, Arsenal will shift focus to domestic duties with a Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, while PSG are set to travel to Strasbourg in Ligue 1 action.
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