TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will host Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal at the Parc des Princes tonight (local time) or Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 02:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB). Their 1-0 victory in the first leg provides a crucial advantage for Luis Enrique's squad as they aim for a spot in the final, where they would face Inter Milan, who are already waiting after a 7-6 aggregate win against Barcelona.
The second leg of this semifinal is anticipated to be as intense as the first encounter at the Emirates Stadium. In that match, Ousmane Dembele scored the lone goal in the fourth minute following a swift counter-attack. He initiated the move by passing to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who returned the ball, allowing Dembele to finish with a left-footed shot from the center of the penalty area into the bottom right corner.
Arsenal responded strongly after conceding. Mikel Arteta's squad increased their attacking pressure, posing significant challenges for the PSG defense. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into making saves against shots from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners created several dangerous opportunities throughout the match, registering 10 shots, half of which were on target. Meanwhile, the home team had 11 shots, with four finding the target. However, no further goals were scored after Dembele's early strike.
Looking ahead to the second leg, Arteta emphasized the need for his players to give everything to reach the Champions League final. "Excitement, goosebumps, wanting the day to arrive, [the feeling] of being very prepared, very convinced and knowing that the opportunity is to play in a Champions [League] final. And when you get to that point, you have to give your life for it," he said as reported by ESPN.
Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, stressed that despite their loss in the first leg, he and his teammates have demonstrated their ability to win the second match. "We showed from the 25th minute that we can win against any team," he stated, as quoted by UEFA.
He expressed confidence that they can turn the tie around based on their strong performances this season. "We've shown this season we can win away from home, so we're going to go to Paris next week to win the game."
PSG's coach, Luis Enrique, is aware that his team will face a tough match at the Parc des Princes. He emphasized that his team will fight hard to secure victory. "With Arsenal, we cannot let our guard down and be complacent. This is a team who can completely rewrite history in one second, and we'll be back to square one. Nothing is in the bag yet, as they'll have nothing to lose."
Both teams enter this crucial match following defeats in their respective domestic leagues. PSG, who have already secured the French Ligue 1 title this season, suffered a 1-2 home loss to Strasbourg last Saturday. Meanwhile, Arsenal was defeated 1-2 at home by Bournemouth on the same day.
Head-to-Head Record
PSG's 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals last week, on April 29, 2025, was their only win in their last six encounters against Arsenal. Prior to that, Arsenal had been unbeaten, with two wins and three draws.
Results of the Last Six Meetings Between Both Teams
April 29, 2025: Arsenal 0-1 PSG (Champions League Semifinal First Leg)
October 1, 2024: Arsenal 2-0 PSG (Champions League Group Stage)
November 23, 2016: Arsenal 2-2 PSG (Champions League Group Stage)
September 13, 2016: PSG 1-1 Arsenal (Champions League Group Stage)
April 12, 1994: Arsenal 1-0 PSG (UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Second Round Semifinal)
March 29, 1994: PSG 1-1 Arsenal (UEFA Cup Winners' Cup First Round Semifinal)
Team News
Ousmane Dembele, who scored PSG's winning goal at Arsenal last week, is uncertain to play in the second leg due to a hamstring injury. However, there is still a possibility he could feature, as the injury is reportedly minor, and he has received medical clearance to play against Arsenal.
If Dembele is unable to play, Goncalo Ramos is a likely replacement. Additionally, South Korean playmaker Lee Kang-in is also doubtful after sustaining an injury in the recent match against Strasbourg.
Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz are expected to return to the lineup, joining Joao Neves, the only key PSG player who started against Strasbourg. Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are also likely to continue in the wing positions.
For Arsenal, Thomas Partey, who was suspended for the first leg due to a yellow card accumulation in the quarter-finals against Real Madrid, is available for the match against PSG and is expected to anchor The Gunners' midfield.
Partey and Declan Rice are likely to play alongside team captain Martin Odegaard. Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber has returned to training after missing the defeat against Bournemouth and should be fit for selection.
Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain on the list of injured players.
Predicted Lineups
PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Match Prediction: PSG vs Arsenal
A tense and closely fought encounter is anticipated at the Parc des Princes in Paris, as both PSG and Arsenal strive to secure a place in the Champions League final. PSG's narrow 1-0 lead means that Luis Enrique's team cannot afford to be complacent against the attacking threats posed by Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will need to be at his best to prevent Martin Odegaard and his teammates from scoring, both from open play and set-piece situations. Conversely, Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, must maintain concentration throughout the match.
Considering the performances of both teams and their journey to the Champions League semifinal, both still have a significant chance of reaching the final. It is even possible that the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.
UEFA, SPORTS MOLE, ESPN
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