Ever since the Qatari investment fund QSI took over power in Paris Saint-Germain in 2011, the Champions League has been the big goal.
Eleven domestic league titles in the last 13 seasons are not enough for the Qatari PSG chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi – it's the Champions League trophy he wants.
The pandemic season 2020 was close, but in the club's only CL final so far, it was a loss to Bayern München.
Now the French capital team is on its way to get a new chance – the starting point before the return on May 7, PSG can thank Ousmane Dembélé for.
25th goal of the year
The Frenchman has had a golden 2025. When the 27-year-old already in the fourth match minute on Emirates Stadium in northern London clipped in 1–0, it was Dembélé's 25th full hit of the year in as many club team matches.
After a little over half an hour, it was very close to 2–0, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya kept the home team in the match when he dived on 19-year-old Désiré Doué's finish.
In the end, a more physical Arsenal could get into the match. The problem? Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma made a great game in the PSG goal.
In the last minute of the first half, he saved Gabriel Martinelli's shot in a one-on-one situation. Admittedly, Donnarumma let in a ball just two minutes into the second act, but after a video review, Mikel Merino was deemed to be in an offside position when he headed in a free kick.
In the 56th minute, Donnarumma didn't need any help from VAR – once again, he made a brilliant one-handed save when Leandro Trossard shot with his left foot.
Arsenal reached its only final in the Champions League in 2006, but the English giant club lost to Barcelona.
First semi since 2009
This year's semi-final is the Premier League team's first in the tournament since 2009, but Arsenal has a 0–1 deficit to turn around in Paris in a little over a week. It could have been worse.
In the final stage, it was finally closer to a PSG extension than an equalizer, but Bradley Barcola shot tight outside and Goncalo Ramos' toe poke hit the crossbar.
In the other semi-final, Barcelona will host Inter on Wednesday with the return on May 6.
The final will be decided at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31.
