Paris Saint-Germain took a giant leap toward the UEFA Champions League final after Ousmane Dembele’s clinical early strike gave the French champions a slender 1-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of their semifinal showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
But the victory came at a price: Dembélé limped off with a suspected hamstring injury that could rule him out of the second leg in Paris.
Dembélé’s Lightning Strike Silences Emirates
It took just four minutes for the ex-Barcelona star to show Arsenal exactly what they’ve been missing — a clinical finisher.
Picking up the ball on the right, Dembélé surged forward and curled a sublime low shot off David Raya’s left-hand post into the net, marking his 25th goal of the season and his 45th goal involvement in 45 games.
“He took his goal brilliantly,” said ESPN’s James Olley. “Finding the net via David Raya’s left-hand post with the sort of clinical finishing that marks him out as one of Europe’s best.”
The Emirates crowd fell silent as Dembélé raced to the corner flag in celebration — the damage already done.
Missed Chances Keep Arsenal Alive
While PSG bossed much of the early play, Arsenal had their moments. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both forced crucial saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, while a Mikel Merino goal in the second half was ruled out for offside.
In the dying minutes, PSG spurned golden chances to kill the tie — Gonçalo Ramos struck the crossbar and Bradley Barcola missed a one-on-one, allowing Arsenal to escape with just a one-goal deficit.
PSG Claim Fourth English Scalp
With Tuesday’s win, PSG have now beaten Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal in this season’s competition — a clean sweep against Premier League opposition.
Luis Enrique’s side are now 90 minutes away from the final in Munich and a shot at completing a historic treble. But the concern over Dembélé’s injury casts a shadow.
Injury Blow: Dembele a ‘Doubt’ for Second Leg
The match-winner had to be helped off the pitch in the 70th minute after sitting down and clutching the back of his leg in front of the PSG bench.
When asked about the extent of the injury, Luis Enrique responded:
“We’re going to try to get Dembélé back on the pitch. But we’re a real team. If Ousmane can play, that’s better. But if he doesn’t, we’ll still be a real team. We’ve been saying that since the start of the season.”
“I don’t know. He’ll undergo tests tomorrow. It’s not serious, it’s something very minor, but he’s probably a doubt for the second leg.”
Ousmane Dembélé has however declared his injury is not a serious one.
“I felt a little something, but it’s okay. It’s going to be fine!”.
Arteta Calls for ‘Something Special’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remains defiant despite the loss, urging his side to channel the spirit of their quarterfinal triumph over Real Madrid.
“If you want to be in the Champions League final, you have to do something special,” he said.
“We’re going to have to do something special in Paris to be there.”
“We’re at half-time and my message is exactly the same as how it was against Real Madrid at home, 3-0.”
“We have to go to Paris and win the game. We are more than capable of doing it.”
Arsenal will welcome back Thomas Partey, who missed the first leg through suspension — a vital boost for a side that has never overturned a home first-leg defeat in Champions League history.
Can Arsenal Make History or Will PSG Finish the Job?
The stage is now set for a blockbuster second leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7. PSG have the edge, but with Dembélé possibly sidelined and Arsenal’s attacking firepower still potent, the tie is far from over.
