• PSG beats Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
• Ousmane Dembele scores the decisive goal within the first four minutes.
• Gianluigi Donnarumma makes crucial saves, helping PSG maintain their lead.
• Arsenal had a goal disallowed and pushed for an equalizer but fell short.
• The second leg will take place in Paris on May 7, 2025.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) took a significant step toward the Champions League final by defeating Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final. The match, held at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, saw Ousmane Dembele score the only goal just four minutes in, capitalizing on a well-executed counterattack. PSG's strong start allowed them to control much of the game, thanks to Luis Enrique's effective strategy that prioritized tactical coherence and defensive organization, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Throughout the match, PSG maintained pressure on Arsenal, significantly limiting their scoring opportunities. Gianluigi Donnarumma made several crucial saves to keep the Gunners at bay. Arsenal managed to have a goal from Mikel Merino disallowed for offside, which added to the team's frustration as they attempted to find a way back into the match. Despite their struggles, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya expressed optimism about their performance, stating they showed resilience and could win the second leg in Paris, according to Le Monde and Reuters.

PSG's early dominance set the tone for the match, with their attacking players, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, consistently threatening the Arsenal defense. Kvaratskhelia's assist for Dembele's goal highlighted his crucial role in the team's attack, as he also contributed defensively, suppressing Arsenal's attempts to counter. PSG's strategy proved effective as they pressed well and kept Arsenal's talented players, such as Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, largely contained, reinforcing PSG's strong tactical discipline, as noted by Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.

Looking ahead, PSG will host the second leg of the semi-final at the Parc des Princes on May 7, where they hope to protect their lead and secure a place in the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan. The win places PSG in a favorable position as they pursue their first Champions League title, which has eluded them since their formation, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.