Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made a bold statement in North London as they secured a gritty 1-0 win over Arsenal FC in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash. It was a disciplined and tactically sharp performance from the Ligue 1 champions, who now hold a slender advantage ahead of the second leg in Paris.

Key Match Highlights

Ousmane Dembélé Strikes Early

Back in the lineup after being dropped in the previous clash for disciplinary reasons, Ousmane Dembélé wasted no time announcing his return. The French winger found the net in just the 5th minute, converting a cut-back from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Although Dembélé’s strike was scuffed, it caught Aaron Ramsdale off guard and proved to be the difference.

Kvaratskhelia’s Electric Display

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a constant menace on the left flank, showcased his flair with a dazzling solo run that split through the Arsenal defense. Despite strong appeals, the Georgian was denied a penalty after going down in the box. Nonetheless, his creativity and pace set the tone for PSG’s early dominance.

Arsenal vs PSG- sportsmarketinternational.com

Arsenal Find Their Rhythm

After a shaky start, Arsenal FC began to gain traction midway through the first half. Midfielder Mikel Merino, playing in a box-to-box role, drove forward with purpose and tested PSG’s midfield structure. One of his penetrating runs ended with a contentious penalty shout, but Rúben Neves timed his tackle to perfection—confirmed upon VAR review.

VAR Drama Denies Arsenal Equalizer

The hosts came out stronger after the break. A hopeful cross met Merino in the air, and he powered a header past Gianluigi Donnarumma—only to have the goal disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR check. Arsenal’s best chance of the night followed when Leandro Trossard unleashed a low drive, but Donnarumma got down swiftly to parry it wide.

PSG’s Late-Game Discipline

In the final 20 minutes, PSG shifted gears into containment mode. The visitors absorbed Arsenal’s pressure with composure and nearly doubled their lead on the counter. Bradley Barcola squandered a clear chance by dragging his shot wide, while Gonçalo Ramos rattled the crossbar with a late thunderous strike—serving Arsenal a final warning.

Final Score

Arsenal FC 0–1 Paris Saint-Germain
Emirates Stadium, London

What It Means

• PSG now carry a narrow but crucial away win back to Paris, where they’ve been formidable all season.

• This result marks PSG’s first-ever victory over Arsenal in European competition.

• Arsenal FC, despite the defeat, remain firmly in the tie. A single goal in Paris could change everything.

Looking Ahead

The second leg at the Parc Des Princes is poised to be a tactical showdown. With a Champions League final berth at stake, Mikel Arteta will demand a sharper, more clinical performance from his side. On the other hand, Luis Enrique will look to manage the advantage while unleashing PSG’s fearsome attacking trio on the counter.

Burnley FC is on the brink of a Premier League return—and their thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Watford proves they’re ready.

Down early in the match, the Clarets showed grit and hunger. Watford’s red cards opened the door, but it was Josh Brownhill’s late winner that sealed the night and sent Burnley soaring to the top of the Championship with 91 points.

Under Vincent Kompany’s leadership, Burnley has transformed into a team that plays with belief, balance, and purpose. From a survival mindset to a title-chasing mentality, Kompany’s Burnley is writing a new story—one of redemption and readiness.

With a few games to go, the Premier League is within touching distance. And Burnley isn’t just trying to return—they’re aiming to return stronger.

Real Madrid’s starting line-up for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal has been revealed hours before kick-off on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta‘s side host the Champions League holders at the Emirates Stadium and will be looking to secure a positive result ahead of the return leg in Spain next Wednesday.

Madrid suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Valencia in La Liga on Saturday and Carlo Ancelotti is said to be making five changes from that side.

According to COPE, the most surprising of Ancelotti’s decisions is to play David Alaba at left-back against Arsenal.

Alaba has started just four games this season after he returned from a cruciate ligament injury in January. The Austria international then missed four games in February due to a thigh problem and has only played as a central defender so far this term.

‘It seems like a dangerous experiment in the Champions League quarterfinals,’ said COPE journalist Roberto Morales.

‘Physically, he’s not the player he used to be, and having Fran Garcia available, who isn’t doing badly, makes the decision difficult to understand.’

Elsewhere, Thibaut Courtois will return in goal after missing Madrid’s last three matches due to injury.

Antonio Rudiger will keep his place in central defence, while Raul Asencio will return to partner the former Chelsea centre-back with Aurulien Tchouameni suspended for the match.

Lucas Vazquez will keep his place on the right side of Madrid’s defence.

COPE report that Ancelotti will deploy a three-man midfield against Arsenal, with Luka Modric dropping to the bench after the defeat to Valencia at the weekend.

Eduardo Camavinga will return to Madrid’s startling-up alongside Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham.

In attack, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr will start, while Rodrygo will return to the side ahead of Brahim Diaz.