Arsenal’s Quest for Glory: Champions League Semi-Final Showdown with PSG
Ben Bloom provides a preview of Arsenal’s highly anticipated clash with PSG as their journey for European glory continues. The Gunners are now the last English team remaining in the UEFA Champions League, having triumphed over Real Madrid, the 15-time European champions, in the quarter-finals.
Here’s what you need to know about Arsenal’s upcoming semi-final:
**UEFA Champions League**
**Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain**
**First leg:** Arsenal vs. PSG, Tuesday 29 April, 20:00 BST
**Second leg:** PSG vs. Arsenal, Wednesday 7 May, 20:00 BST
It’s been nearly 20 years since Arsenal last appeared in a UEFA Champions League final, and now they face PSG, a team they defeated earlier this season. PSG captain Marquinhos has recognized their weaknesses, saying, “We know they are strong in this area. We can improve. We let in a goal like that again. We need to come up with some strategies.”
Despite Arsenal’s impressive record against PSG—having not lost in their five meetings—the French champions have shown they can be a formidable opponent. PSG has transformed since their last visit to London, after navigating a tough path to reach the last 16, defeating Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds.
On the other hand, Arsenal’s recent performance has been equally dominant, as they steamrolled past PSV Eindhoven and claimed two victories against Real Madrid to reach this stage.
**PSG’s Recent Form**
While PSG’s attacking talent featuring Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue is well-known, their recent results have been less impressive. Following a 3-2 loss to Aston Villa in the second leg of their quarter-final, though they still advanced, they have won just one of their last four matches. They faced a surprise 3-1 defeat at home against Nice last Friday, marking their first league loss of the season and shattering their hopes of finishing the Ligue 1 campaign unbeaten.
Despite already securing the league title, PSG’s focus has shifted to European competition. In that match against Nice, they dominated possession at 76% and took an astonishing 32 shots, yet were thwarted by Nice, who managed to score with their three shots on target. One of those goals came from a free-kick, an area where PSG has struggled defensively, particularly against set-pieces—a strength for Arsenal.
PSG captain Marquinhos has recognized their weaknesses, saying, “We know they are strong in this area. We can improve. We let in a goal like that again. We need to come up with some strategies.”
**Arsenal’s Team News**
Mikel Arteta faces a setback with the suspension of Thomas Partey for the first leg, impacting his plans to leverage the physicality of his squad against PSG’s attack. He will be eager for Mikel Merino to return, especially after the midfielder missed the recent 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace due to an unspecified issue.
If Merino is fit, he’s likely to join Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the midfield, while Leandro Trossard could lead the attack flanked by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on how both teams stack up against each other in what promises to be an exciting semi-final showdown.
