Arsenal’s hopes of reaching their first UEFA Champions League final since 2006 suffered a major blow on Tuesday night, as they fell 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium. A fourth-minute goal from Ousmane Dembélé was enough to separate the sides, handing PSG a vital away victory and leaving the Gunners with a mountain to climb in the return leg.

PSG set the tone early with a slick 26-pass move that culminated in Dembélé drilling a precise finish past David Raya after receiving a well-timed assist from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The French side’s early intensity stifled Arsenal, who struggled to gain any control in the opening 20 minutes, managing just 25% possession during that spell.

Arsenal eventually grew into the match, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard leading the push forward. Mikel Merino saw a goal disallowed for offside, while Donnarumma produced two strong saves to deny Arsenal a much-needed equalizer. But for all their efforts, the Gunners failed to find the net the first time they’ve drawn a blank at home in the Champions League since 2016.

Mikel Arteta acknowledged his team’s slow start and admitted PSG were sharper in the opening stages. “We gave them too much space and respect early on,” he said post-match. “We got better as the game went on, but in the Champions League, small margins matter.”

Luis Enrique’s side executed their game plan to perfection, controlling midfield through Fabián Ruiz and João Neves while limiting Arsenal’s wide threats. Their tactical discipline, combined with flashes of attacking brilliance, saw them outplay an Arsenal side that had overwhelmed Real Madrid in the previous round.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney criticized the lack of atmosphere at the Emirates, calling it “subdued” compared to other big European nights. Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry urged his old club to step up in Paris, warning that PSG showed greater cohesion and purpose.

The Gunners will now travel to the Parc des Princes needing a strong comeback to keep their Champions League dream alive. With PSG having already dispatched English heavyweights Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa, the challenge is clear: Arsenal must produce one of their finest European performances to turn this tie around.

The second leg takes place next Wednesday, with Arsenal needing at least a one-goal win to force extra time and a two-goal margin to advance outright. Arteta and his men have no choice but to rise to the occasion.

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