An early wave of Arsenal pressure couldn’t hold off a composed PSG comeback as Luis Enrique’s side tactically wrestled back control to secure a 2-1 win on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.
For the first 20 minutes at the Emirates, Arsenal FC looked like they were about to flip the Champions League semi-final on its head. After losing the first leg 2-1 in Paris, Mikel Arteta’s men came out with an aggressive high press that pinned Paris Saint-Germain deep into their own half. It was an opening spell defined by intensity, dominance, and Donnarumma’s brilliance.
Arsenal’s Tactical Brilliance… At First
Arteta introduced Thomas Partey back into midfield, allowing Declan Rice to push higher up the pitch. Combined with the aggressive pressing of Ødegaard, Saka, and Martinelli, Arsenal forced PSG into rushed clearances and long balls from the back. Timber’s presence in the half-space also caused problems, giving Bukayo Saka more license to operate in 1v1s against Nuno Mendes.
A glaring chance early on saw Declan Rice narrowly miss a header, and another superb save from Donnarumma denied Ødegaard from close range. Arsenal’s throw-ins and corners continued to mount pressure as they kept PSG defending for long spells, if not always in live play.
Arteta’s fluid build-up system—featuring Lewis Skelly inverting into midfield and Timber pushing high—created overloads, especially down the right flank. The Gunners looked poised to overturn the deficit, but a shift was coming.
PSG Adapt and Turn the Tide
The momentum changed around the 16th minute. PSG started to gain control through better ball retention and a more aggressive press. Kvaratskhelia and Duet found space between Arsenal’s lines, and a shot from Kvaratskhelia hit the post—warning signs that PSG were finding solutions.
Luis Enrique pushed his full-backs higher and committed more bodies to pressing Arsenal’s build-up. Crucially, Donnarumma began targeting the left side with his long kicks, avoiding Arsenal’s aerial superiority on the right.
This subtle shift soon paid off. Kvaratskhelia drew a foul from Declan Rice in a dangerous area, and from the resulting free kick, Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring to make it 1-0 on the night.
Arsenal’s Open-Play Struggles Resurface
Despite continued pressure from Arsenal, a familiar issue reappeared: the lack of a clear-cut striker presence in the box. Even with Mourinho winning aerial duels, there was often no one in the right position to finish off Saka’s threatening runs or Martinelli’s cut-backs.
Arsenal’s threat from corners and throw-ins remained constant, but structured attacking moves yielded little. PSG, on the other hand, looked increasingly threatening on the counter. One such move nearly resulted in a second when Luis Skelly’s pass was intercepted, setting up a break involving Krat Scalia and Barcola that fizzled out due to a misweighted pass.
A missed penalty by Vitinha in the 65th minute could have sealed the game, but it wouldn’t matter for long.
Dembele Changes the Game
The introduction of Ousmane Dembélé in the 70th minute was pivotal. The Frenchman, starting in a false nine role, floated into deeper spaces, dragging defenders and creating overloads in central areas. Just minutes after his introduction, he assisted Achraf Hakimi for PSG’s second goal—2-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.
Arteta responded by bringing on Trossard and Caluri. A deflected cross from Trossard landed perfectly for Saka to finish, giving Arsenal a glimmer of hope. Minutes later, Saka missed a golden opportunity to equalize on the night.
Ultimately, PSG’s ability to adapt tactically and their composure in key moments proved too much. Arsenal’s early fire faded, and PSG managed the closing stages with professionalism.
What’s Next?
PSG now march into the Champions League final where they will face Inter Milan. For Arsenal, it’s another case of “what could have been”—a reminder that dominance must be converted into goals, especially in the Champions League.
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