PSG vs Arsenal Preview

• Draw or PSG win
• Under 3.5 goals

Two of Europe’s most ambitious clubs face off once more in the French capital with a place in the UEFA Champions League final at stake. Paris Saint-Germain, boasting a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, welcome Arsenal to the Parc des Princes as both sides chase a place in what would be only their second appearance in a UCL final. While the French champions hold the upper hand heading into the second leg, nothing is settled just yet with an attacking and resilient Arsenal outfit looking to overturn their deficit.

PSG with one foot in the final – but work still to be done

Luis Enrique’s side produced a tactically disciplined performance at the Emirates Stadium last week to leave London with a 1-0 win and a crucial away goal in their pocket. The Spanish tactician made no secret of his desire to prioritise European glory this season, especially with domestic matters already wrapped up. PSG secured the Ligue 1 title with several games to spare and are eyeing an unprecedented treble as they seek to finally add a UCL trophy to their cabinet.

The Parisians come into this contest having faced English opponents five times already this season across the Champions League knockout stages. After navigating past Aston Villa and Liverpool in dramatic fashion, the victory over Arsenal was another step forward. Interestingly, four of those five matches have been settled by a single goal, pointing to the fine margins that have defined PSG’s journey to this stage.

Home form provides some confidence, with PSG winning three of their last four UCL matches in front of their supporters. However, they are not invincible at the Parc des Princes. Their two defeats in Europe this term—against Atlético Madrid and Liverpool—demonstrate that a lapse in concentration or defensive solidity can be costly, especially against a team with Arsenal’s firepower. That said, history is firmly on PSG’s side. They have progressed from 18 of their last 19 European ties in which they won the first leg away, underlining their ability to finish the job when given the platform.

Arsenal must defy history to turn tie around

Mikel Arteta’s men find themselves in unfamiliar territory. The first-leg defeat was just their second loss in the Champions League all season, and it ended a 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions stretching back to late February. That setback was quickly followed by another 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League, making it a worrying pair of results for a side that had been praised for its consistency and mental resilience throughout the campaign.

More worrying is Arsenal’s record when it comes to overturning first-leg home defeats in Europe. In five previous instances of losing the first leg at home in UEFA competitions, the Gunners have never managed to turn the tie around (L5). However, if there is a campaign in which they can buck the trend, it might be this one.

Their away form in the Champions League has been especially encouraging. Arsenal have won each of their last four UCL away games, scoring a combined 16 goals and conceding once in each match. While their inability to keep clean sheets on the road might seem like a concern, their attacking potency could prove decisive if they find the right rhythm in Paris. This will be their sixth meeting with PSG, and although the French side hold a slight edge, Arsenal are unbeaten in their two prior visits to the Parc des Princes (D2).

Key players to watch

Nuno Mendes (PSG)

The Portuguese left-back has become an unexpected goal threat in Europe this season, with four of his last five club goals coming in the Champions League.

He found the net in both legs of PSG’s quarter-final against Aston Villa and will be keen to make a similar impact here.

Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Rice marked his 100th Arsenal appearance with a goal against Bournemouth at the weekend and has struck three times across his last four Champions League games.

A natural leader in midfield, he’ll be central to Arsenal’s efforts to control the tempo and win the midfield battle.

Hot stat

Arsenal have not conceded a Champions League goal later than the 70th minute all season – a stat that could prove vital if the tie is in the balance heading into the closing stages.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Paris vs Arsenal | UEFA Champions League 2024/25