Dembele strikes early as PSG edge Arsenal in Champions League semi-final first leg

Paris Saint-Germain claimed a slender 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, with Ousmane Dembele’s early strike giving the French champions a crucial away win at the Emirates Stadium.

Dembele opened the scoring in the fourth minute, starting and finishing a sweeping move that stunned the home crowd. Collecting possession in the centre circle, the France winger found Khvicha Kvaratskhelia out wide before racing into the box to slot home off the far post from the Georgian’s perfectly weighted return pass.

Luis Enrique’s side, seeking their first-ever Champions League title, delivered a disciplined performance to frustrate the hosts and will return to Paris for the second leg on May 7 as favourites to advance to the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan.

“We showed the kind of team we are. We tried to play our way and scored the goal early playing that way,” said Enrique. “We suffered sometimes but could have scored the second goal. The second match is going to be very tough.”

Arsenal, playing in their first Champions League semi-final since 2009, had chances to level. Gabriel Martinelli was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Mikel Merino saw a goal ruled out by VAR. Substitute Leandro Trossard also forced a fine save from the PSG goalkeeper.

“We put so much into the game. It’s half-time and we have a big chance to be in the final,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “That’s the margins, that’s the level.”

Despite late PSG chances missed by Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos, Dembele’s early goal proved decisive.

(Source: AFP)