Can Arsenal Overcome PSG to Secure Champions League Final Spot?
Arsenal travel to the Parc des Princes tonight facing a significant challenge if they are to reach only the second UEFA Champions League final in their history.
The Gunners have not featured in the final since 2006, when they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in the French capital. This time, Mikel Arteta’s squad must overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Paris Saint-Germain to book a place in the Munich final later this month. Their potential opponents will be Inter Milan, who defeated Barcelona in an exhilarating extra-time battle.
Only two teams in Champions League history have progressed to the final after losing the first leg of a semi-final at home—Ajax in the 1995/96 season against Panathinaikos, and Tottenham Hotspur in the 2018/19 campaign versus Ajax. Arsenal must now attempt to become the third.
PSG’s early strike at the Emirates last Tuesday, courtesy of Ousmane Dembélé, quickly silenced the home crowd. The French side could have extended their lead late in the match, but a disallowed goal from Mikel Merino and a strong performance by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal meant Arsenal left the night scoreless.
Arteta had hoped for a stronger showing in the Premier League at the weekend. However, with only two changes to his starting XI, his side fell to a disappointing defeat against AFC Bournemouth. The Arsenal boss admitted the result had stirred emotions of “rage, anger, frustration” after squandering a one-goal advantage against the Cherries.
Those feelings, Arteta insisted, must now fuel a passionate and focused display in France. PSG, meanwhile, also lost at the weekend, falling to Strasbourg. Manager Luis Enrique took advantage of their Ligue 1 title being secured by making 10 changes to the side that triumphed in north London.
‘Biggest Night in Arsenal’s History’ Awaits
Arteta has challenged his players to grasp the moment in Paris and carve out a piece of history.
“We are here to make history,” said the Spaniard during his pre-match press briefing. “Winning trophies is about being in the right moment, in the right place.
“The result brings a lot of clarity, what both teams have to do. For us, it’s even clearer.
“We know what we can do. We are one win away from being in the final. Let’s do the talking on the pitch.”
Arteta also provided a fitness update on Riccardo Calafiori, confirming that the defender had trained and is available for selection if needed.
Midfielder Declan Rice echoed the sentiment, stating that qualifying for the Champions League final would be a landmark achievement for the club. Rice pointed to Arsenal’s quarter-final victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu as evidence that they are capable of handling high-stakes situations.
“It will be the biggest night in our history if we can win,” Rice declared. “We showed we can do it when we went to the Bernabéu—we’ve proven we can handle big situations.”
Partey’s Return Crucial in Midfield Battle
Thomas Partey is available for the second leg after serving a suspension in the first. However, right-back Jurrien Timber remains doubtful, having not even made the bench over the weekend due to fitness concerns.
For PSG, Dembélé returned to training on Monday after being forced off with an injury following his goal in the first leg.
Partey’s comeback is likely to enable Arsenal to return to their most successful midfield setup, the one that was so effective in both legs against Real Madrid. In this configuration, Rice plays a box-to-box role, with Merino operating up front.
Since February, Merino has stepped up in the absence of both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, scoring six goals across ten matches in both the Premier League and Champions League. His physical presence offers more than Leandro Trossard, who led the line in the first leg. Merino gives goalkeeper David Raya a target to aim for when going long, and Arsenal gain unpredictability in their attacking build-up as a result.
Trossard, despite not starting, remains a valuable option from the bench. The Belgian has scored 10 goals this season across all competitions, making him Arsenal’s third-highest scorer. He is also their second most-used substitute behind Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta waited until the 83rd minute to make his first change in the first leg, by which time PSG had already refreshed their attack.
Although Arsenal are without a recognised striker and still missing key defender Gabriel, there is room for optimism. They beat PSG 2-0 earlier this campaign during the group stage.
The Gunners have also netted 16 goals across their last four Champions League away matches, winning all of them. This form will boost confidence heading into Wednesday night’s crucial tie.
Exposing PSG’s Defensive Gaps
Arsenal’s biggest attacking opportunities in the first leg came down the right-hand side of PSG’s defence, where Achraf Hakimi was often exposed. Gabriel Martinelli and Trossard both had chances on that flank but were denied by Donnarumma.
Defensively, PSG have shown vulnerability, keeping just two clean sheets in their last 12 home matches in all competitions. Arsenal will need to be clinical in front of goal, but scoring alone won’t be enough. They must also prevent PSG from breaching their defence.
The Ligue 1 champions appeared to be in control during the opening half-hour in north London and nearly doubled their lead late on through dangerous counter-attacks. For Arsenal, performing effectively at both ends of the pitch will be essential—and extremely challenging.
Defining Moment in Arsenal’s Season
This match represents a make-or-break juncture in Arsenal’s 2024/25 campaign. With their Premier League title hopes dashed by Liverpool and their place as runners-up now uncertain, the Champions League is their final hope of lifting silverware.
Despite their improvement in recent seasons—two consecutive second-place league finishes, a return to Champions League football after a six-year absence, and their first semi-final appearance since 2009—Arteta’s team still lack a defining achievement.
Injuries and suspensions have highlighted a lack of squad depth, while Arsenal have also picked up five red cards this term, the joint-most in the Premier League.
It has been evident for weeks that their focus has shifted to Europe. However, should they fail to reach the final, scrutiny will increase over whether this side is capable not just of challenging for top honours, but actually winning them.