Champions League: PSG pulls off a huge upset against Arsenal and gains a chance of reaching the final

Special Envoy to London

A huge blow. Flushed with a bit of overconfidence after their exploit against Real in the quarter-finals, the Gunners suffered the law of PSG (0-1) Tuesday, at the Emirates Stadium, in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Ousmane Dembélé scored in the 4th minute for the Parisians , who took a step towards Munich and the Champions League final on May 31. And yet, they had the balls to break away… The blow is magnificent, it could have been even more so. Return Wednesday, May 7, in Paris.

The scent of big matches wafted over the Emirates Stadium, bathed in the rays of the setting sun before kickoff. "Make it happen," the English fans demanded of their charges, seen as the Champions League favorites by their coach, Mikel Arteta. Words are good, but actions are better. Despite the home side's high pressure, Paris imposed their will and their play from the start. And had the good fortune to score on their first opportunity, Dembélé converting Kvaratskhelia's back cross into a goal (0-1, 4th minute). In a mouse hole. His first goal since April 1st. Arsenal watching, Paris dominating, with Doué's strike (11th minute) but especially Marquinhos' header (14th minute) to shake up the Emirates, who had plenty of time to listen to the chants of the 2,500 Parisian supporters. PSG at home. 20 dream minutes.

Obviously, it couldn't last. Arsenal were finally emerging from their torpor and starting to play, to have possession. Saka was also unleashing himself. The Gunners' first shot on target in the 24th minute, Merino's header without danger for Donnarumma. Highlight? Yes, a little, but Raya was still called upon by Kvaratskhelia (26th). Donnarumma, for his part, didn't need to intervene since Neves made an incredible return to Merino (37th). And when Saka found him, it was just for the photo (39th). In the end, the two biggest scares came from errors in the defense: a blunder by Pacho (40th), then Marquinhos was taken down by Martinelli (44th), with Donnarumma trying to make up for his captain's errors (0-1 halftime).

Also read: Arsenal-PSG: Who is your man of the match after the Parisian victory?

No one to save him on the restart, with Merino heading in a Rice free-kick (47th). Set pieces, PSG's Achilles heel, Arsenal's strong point. Except that after two interminable minutes of palaver, the goal was ruled out for offside (49th). A free booking. Like this oversight on the right of the defense, and this save from Donnarumma against Trossard (57th). Opposite, it was Saliba who made an incredible save on Hakimi in the box (60th). Off-pace, no big highlight for either team. However, the clock was only running in favor of one club: PSG.

A tough blow for the Parisian side, however, with the exit of striker Dembélé through injury (70th). Until then, the infirmary was empty, a feat at this stage of the season. Is it serious, doctor? "Kvara" isn't the type to ask questions, as evidenced by this audacious 40-meter lob (75th). Served by substitute Barcola, Neves had a real chance to break away (78th), as did Kvaratskhelia (80th). Paris, in any case, had a relatively calm end to the match. And even had the chance to make it 2-0, Barcola, launched alone in front of goal, hit the bar (84th). And the bar for Ramos, also alone (85th). The kind of misses that could be paid for at the Parc des Princes? Maybe, maybe not... Another free kick for Arsenal (88th), a shot in the clouds from Martinelli (90+3), a corner (90+5) then deliverance (0-1 final score).