PSG edges closer to Champions League final after narrow win over Arsenal
The goal was the result of a remarkable 26-pass build-up — the most by any team leading to a goal in the Champions League since the 2003–04 season.
KATHMANDU: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) took a major step toward reaching the UEFA Champions League final with a 1–0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their semifinal clash on Tuesday night.
French forward Ousmane Dembélé scored the only goal of the match in the 4th minute, converting with his first touch after receiving a precise pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The goal was the result of a remarkable 26-pass build-up — the most by any team leading to a goal in the Champions League since the 2003–04 season.
PSG started the game aggressively, putting Arsenal under pressure right from the kickoff.
Despite several attempts, Arsenal struggled to break through in the first half.
One of their best chances came just before halftime, when Gabriel Martinelli’s powerful shot was brilliantly denied by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a one-handed save.
Arsenal improved in the second half and thought they had equalized through a header from Mikel Merino off a Declan Rice free-kick.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Both PSG and Arsenal are chasing their first-ever Champions League title. PSG reached the final in 2020 but lost to Bayern Munich, while Arsenal were runners-up in 2006 after a defeat to Barcelona.
The second semifinal kicks off on Wednesday, with Barcelona facing Inter Milan in another high-stakes encounter.
