PSG have taken control of their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. An early goal from Ousmane Dembele secured a valuable 1-0 away win at the Emirates Stadium. The French champions now hold a slender advantage heading into next week’s second leg in Paris.

Early Goal Silences Emirates Crowd – Ousmane Dembele

Just four minutes into the match, PSG demonstrated their attacking prowess. A magnificent 26-pass move culminated in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finding Dembele, who finished clinically past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

This early strike represented the fastest goal Arsenal have conceded in a Champions League knockout game. It immediately silenced the home crowd and set the tone for PSG’s dominant opening period.

“The Emirates was deafening until we scored,” Luis Enrique noted after the match. “Our performance in the opening 20 minutes was exceptional, limiting Arsenal to just 24% possession.”

PSG’s Attacking Trio Causes Problems – Ousmane Dembele

The Parisian side’s front three proved too much for Arsenal’s makeshift defense to handle. With Kvaratskhelia, teenage prospect Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele combining effectively, PSG created numerous chances to extend their lead.

Their dribbling ability was particularly impressive. According to Tobibet, PSG have completed 190 dribbles in this season’s competition – the highest by any team since Barcelona under Luis Enrique in 2014-15.

This statistic is even more remarkable considering four players average more than two successful dribbles per 90 minutes: Doue (3.1), Kvaratskhelia (2.7), Barcola (2.6), and the goalscorer himself (2.2).

Arsenal’s Frustration Despite Improvement

After weathering PSG’s early storm, Arsenal gradually found their footing. Bukayo Saka led the response, trying to inspire his teammates as the Gunners pushed for an equalizer.

Their best moment came early in the second half when Mikel Merino headed home, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. This decision proved a turning point, leaving Arsenal fans and players frustrated with Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic.

The absence of suspended midfielder Thomas Partey was keenly felt, with Declan Rice expressing disappointment at their inability to match PSG’s clinical edge. For more tactical analysis on how Arsenal might approach the second leg, our football experts offer detailed insights.

All To Play For In Paris

Despite the defeat, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about his team’s chances. “We showed we can compete with them,” he insisted. “The tie is far from over.”

PSG’s home form offers some encouragement for the Gunners. The French champions have lost twice at the Parc des Princes in this season’s competition, against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid.

There’s also concern around a potential injury to the goalscorer, who was substituted in the 70th minute with what Luis Enrique described as “just a niggle.” His availability for the return leg could be crucial to PSG’s chances of reaching the final.

For those interested in how this result affects the Champions League outlook, our betting tips provide the latest odds on potential finalists.