Tuesday saw Paris St Germain (PSG) win 1-0 against Arsenal in a tight match. Most notably, this victory was in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. His fourth-minute goal from a massive post gave them the lead, as PSG were clearly the better team early. The huge victory puts PSG in the driver’s seat as they look to advance to the Champions League final.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia proved a constant danger for Arsenal during the opening 45 minutes. He proved a nuisance with a number of threatening runs and efforts to break through Arsenal’s backline. In an impassioned scene, Kvaratskhelia took a tumble following a challenge from Jurrien Timber. He turned, looking up at the referee, begging for a call. His dismissal left Robert visibly frustrated.
Early Dominance by PSG
Paris St Germain immediately put Arsenal under pressure from the first whistle, proving a dominant force early in the match. Ousmane Dembele’s opener just six minutes into the match encapsulated the best of PSG’s night. Kvaratskhelia received the ball on the left flank, skillfully maneuvered into the penalty area, and laid back a pass for Dembele. The forward struck a thunderous effort that crashed against the woodwork. It then deflected off a defender and into the goal, just getting past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Even with the early miscue, Arsenal really pressed to take hold of the match. Mounting attacks, Achilles’ heel … Leandro Trossard’s yellow card for yanking Achraf Hakimi down left the counter-bombardment full of ferocity. Marquinhos atoned for the previous miss when he launched himself to powerfully head the ball, trying to double PSG’s lead from a cross by Hakimi. Yet, his advocacy went straight to Raya.
Arsenal’s Near Misses
After a shaky opening period, Arsenal started to assert themselves and look far dangerous as the game wore on. Gabriel Martinelli almost made it 1-1 as he was just a whisker away from turning home a cross from Bukayo Saka. PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was on hand to make a critical save. He then made another beautiful low save to keep out Trossard’s close-range effort.
Just as the second half started, Arsenal took advantage of a beautiful passage. Mikel Merino scored a stunning equalizer, rising to head in from an inswinging Declan Rice free kick. After a near two-minute VAR review, it was found that Merino was indeed marginally offside, allowing PSG to remain in front. This ruling would leave players and supporters alike of Arsenal in shock as they were robbed of a vital goal.
A Step Towards the Final
The win is a significant step forward for Paris St Germain as they continue deep into the Champions League tournament. Their narrow 1-0 victory at home to Arsenal puts them in a good place as they head into the second leg of the semi-final on May 11. PSG will be seeking to extend their perfect record in pursuit of a final berth. At the same time, Arsenal have to regroup and come up with a good plan for their next test.
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