Luis Enrique's side was impeccable in the first 20 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, culminating in Ousmane Dembele's strike, which put them
Luis Enrique’s side was impeccable in the first 20 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, culminating in Ousmane Dembele’s strike, which put them in the lead.
The French champions exerted their influence early, just like they have been doing recently against opponents. With the versatility and mobility of forwards Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Doue, Arsenal’s back four started shivering.
Having already beaten the Paris Giants 2-0 in the League Phase, many knew the fixture was always going to be different because Paris Saint-Germain is now a very different team from the one that lost 2-0 in North London.
French forward Ousmane Dembele connected with Kvaratskhelia’s with just 4 minutes played to give Luis Enrique’s side a 1-0 lead. Dembele’s effort was not so strong, but the ball hit the right post and ended up in the back of the net.
The next 30 minutes were all PSG as they ended the first half as the better side of the two.
Arsenal missed a huge opportunity before the close of the first half on the stroke of half time when Donnarumma forced a huge save from Martinelli, who found himself some space after latching on to a sumptuous pass. His shot to the bottom corner was thwarted by the big Italian goalkeeper.
In the second half, Arsenal got off to a good start after Rice’s free kick was headed in by Mikel Merino. Celebrations were cut short after VAR intervened and disallowed the goal due to offside.
Arsenal’s dominance did not last long before PSG came into the game again, creating chances for substitutes Barcola and Goncalo Ramos, who missed huge opportunities. The duo could have finished the tie, but were blunt.
Arsenal still have a huge chance to come back, even though PSG are the favourites to qualify for the finals.
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