Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard attempts a shot at goal and saved by PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium in London, England, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
PSG players celebrate with their fans at the end of the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain at Arsenal Stadium in London, England, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, right, jumps for the ball with PSG’s Nuno Mendes during the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium in London, England, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
PSG’s Fabian Ruiz, left, controls the ball past Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard during the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium in London, England, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber, right, fights for the ball with PSG’s Desire Doue during the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium in London, England, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard attempts a shot at goal and saved by PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium in London, England, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
The Gunners are trying to reach their first Champions League final in 19 years.
The winner takes on Inter Milan on May 31 after the three-time champions in one of the greatest semifinals in the competition’s history.
Both teams are looking for a first title and second appearance in the final. PSG lost to Borussia Dortmund at this stage last year. The French side was beaten by Bayern Munich in the 2020 final, while Arsenal was runner-up to Barcelona in 2006.
Arsenal welcomed the return of midfielder Thomas Partey, who was suspended for the first leg. His absence was a big loss for the Gunners as Declan Rice was forced to play in a less advanced role and PSG controlled the midfield early on.
Partey’s return should allow Mikel Merino to play up front in a position where he has blossomed since Kai Havertz’s injury earlier this season.
The only two teams to reach the Champions League final after losing the first leg of their semifinal at home were Ajax in 1996 and Tottenham in 2019.
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According to UEFA statistics, PSG has won 18 of 19 ties after a first-leg away victory. Arsenal has never overturned a home first-leg defeat in European competition, losing all five ties.
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