The triumphant group from tonight’s thrilling semi-final clash in between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal will advance to challenge Inter Milan in the prominent Champions League last.
Heading into the definitive 2nd leg, PSG holds a minor edge over the Gunners. In the very first leg last Tuesday, Luis Enrique’s team protected a crucial cause reclaim to the French capital, thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s</b stunning goal just four minutes into the match.
The Parisian side is nearly fully fit, with Dembele cleared to play despite briefly leaving the pitch in the first leg due to a hamstring strain. Additionally, players like Willian Pacho, Vitinha, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were preserved as unused substitutes during the weekend’s match, ensuring they are fresh for this critical encounter.
Arsenal or Paris to join Inter in the final? #UCLbracket | @cryptocom
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 6, 2025
Currently, the only significant uncertainty for PSG is central defender Presnel Kimpembe, who is dealing with a foot injury. His ongoing struggles with injuries have limited him to just five appearances this season, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of such an important match.
For Arsenal, securing a victory in Paris is crucial for their hopes of reaching the Champions League final. Unfortunately, they are entering this second leg following a disappointing home defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday, which has likely dampened their morale.
On a positive note, Mikel Arteta has received a boost with the return of both Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori. Timber has fully recovered from a knock that sidelined him during the weekend’s match, while Calafiori is back in action after overcoming a knee injury sustained while representing his country in March.
Meanwhile, Jorginho, who is set to join Flamengo, remains unavailable due to a rib injury, but Thomas Partey is back in contention after serving a suspension that kept him out of the first leg.
In-Depth Match Preview: PSG vs Arsenal – Champions League Showdown
Recent Performance Analysis
PSG: Recent Form – WDLWL
After enjoying an unbeaten streak throughout a significant portion of the league season, PSG has recently encountered challenges, suffering losses in their last two matches in Ligue 1.
Last weekend, Luis Enrique opted to rotate his squad, making 10 changes for the match against Strasbourg, a decision that backfired as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat. Prior to that setback, PSG also dropped points against Nantes and faced a tough loss to Nice at their home ground, the Parc des Princes.
With their standards slipping following the recent Ligue 1 championship victory just two weeks ago, the Parisian club is now fully focused on securing their first-ever Champions League trophy. They are just 90 minutes away from making it to their second final, where they would face Inter Milan at the famed Allianz Arena.
Arsenal: Recent Form – WWDLL
Unfortunately for Arsenal, their preparation for this vital tie has been far from ideal, following a 2-1 defeat at home against Bournemouth.
Two second-half goals from the Cherries turned the tide, making Bournemouth only the second team this season to emerge victorious at the Emirates Stadium in Premier League play. This disappointing result has heightened concerns about their ability to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘋𝘼𝙔
PSG
8pm (UK)
Champions League
Parc des Princes pic.twitter.com/S26M4bqh2W— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 7, 2025
Not long ago, their place in the Champions League seemed secured, but after just one win in their last five league matches, the Gunners must aim to secure victories in at least one of their upcoming fixtures against Liverpool, Newcastle, or Southampton to secure their spot among Europe’s elite teams.
Similar to PSG, Arsenal has yet to lift the coveted Champions League trophy. Mikel Arteta will be seeking to take a monumental step forward in their pursuit by achieving success at a venue he once proudly called home as a player.
Recap of Last Encounter: Arsenal vs PSG – Champions League, April 29, 2025
In the first leg, Ousmane Dembele’s</b clinical strike proved decisive as PSG emerged victorious in North London.
Just four minutes into the match, the French giants took the lead at the Emirates Stadium.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia set up Dembele, who struck the ball against the post and past David Raya, leaving the home crowd in disbelief while the traveling supporters erupted in joy.
PSG displayed remarkable prowess in transition, creating numerous challenges for Arsenal on the flanks. Kvaratskhelia consistently troubled Jurrien Timber, but Timber managed to avert disaster by deflecting a shot from the Georgian into the grateful hands of his goalkeeper.
Desire Doue then forced a smart save from Raya, who had to dive low to his right to keep the scoreline manageable. Mikel Arteta’s</b side struggled to contain the dynamic and fluid Parisian attack throughout the match.
Just before halftime, Gabriel Martinelli had a golden opportunity to level the score. As the Brazilian prepared to shoot, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma anticipated the attempt and made a crucial save.
Shortly after the restart, the Gunners thought they had equalized, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal due to Mikel Merino being marginally offside during a set-piece situation just before his header found the back of the net.
Arsenal improved significantly in the second half but couldn’t find a way past Donnarumma, who produced a fingertip save to deny Leandro Trossard’s</b powerful shot.
In the dying moments of the game, substitutes Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos squandered clear chances to extend their lead. Barcola dragged a shot wide, while Ramos hit the crossbar with an unconventional toe poke.
With a narrow lead in hand, PSG returned home with the objective of protecting their advantage in the second leg. For Arsenal, it was an unsatisfactory evening in European football that failed to meet the high expectations set for such a significant match.
Projected Starting Lineups for the Champions League Clash
PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Merino.
Referee Details for the Champions League Showdown
The match will be officiated by Felix Zwayer, a respected German referee. Assisting him will be Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz, while Harm Osmers will serve as the fourth official. Bastian Dankert is assigned for VAR duties, with Benjamin Brand supporting him in that role.
Broadcast Information: How to Watch PSG vs Arsenal
TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and Discovery+ UK will provide live coverage of the highly anticipated match between PSG and Arsenal.
Kick-off Timing for the Champions League Encounter
The kick-off at the Parc des Princes is scheduled for 20:00 BST on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Betting Odds for PSG vs Arsenal: Who Will Prevail?
PSG: 11/10
Draw: 5/2
Arsenal: 12/5
Read – Declan Rice: Arsenal need ‘big balls’ to reach Champions League final
See more – Inter and Barcelona equal Champions League record in all-time classic semi-final
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