Doug McIntyre
Soccer journalist
Paris Saint-Germain only needs a draw next week in front of its own supporters in Parc Des Princence to advance to the UEFA 2024-25 Champions League Final after beating Arsenal 1-0 in the first first leg on Tuesday in London.
The star of the French national team Ousmane Dembele opened the score less than four minutes after the start at Emirates Stadium in the English capital. The second decisive game of the two -game series, at home and house, will be played on May 7.
Here are some quick thoughts after Tuesday’s contest.
Game game
The defender of the PSG Nuno Mendes began the work by finding Dembélé in space in the center of the field. The Frenchman passed to Khvicha Kvarathskhelia scratching the wing, then continued his career towards the arsenal penalty area. Kvarathskhelia’s
Crucial moment
The hosts seemed to have canceled Dembélé’s account just after part time, when Mikel Merino nodded with a free rice kick fits PSG Gianluigi Donnarumma. Unfortunately for most attendees, the celebration was of short duration, since the video assistant referee determined that Merino had diverted right next to a second place before Rice service.
Key statistics
Contrary to popular belief, teams that win games in regular early goals are exceeded for more than 90 minutes; As their opponents desperately pursue an equalizer, the head squad is happy to absorb pressure and seek to inflict the fatal blow through a counterattack.
That was the case on Tuesday. At one time in the middle of the first half, the PSG had enjoyed the ball for huge 68 percent of the procedures. And they finished the game with more than half of the general possession, a condemnatory statistic for the local team.
What follows for Paris Saint-Germain?
The PSG, which three weeks ago assured its 11th Ligue 1 title since its owners of Qatar de Pocket bought the club in 2011, returned to national action when they visit Strasbourg on Saturday.
The big one is coming three days later, when the Gunners visit the City of Light. The PSG has reached the final only once before, in 2020, when Kylian Mbappe, Neymar & Co. fell to Bayern Munich in Lisbon.
What follows for Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta’s team will return to the Premier League action on Saturday against local Fulham rivals. As is the case of the PSG, that game is something anti -cell since Liverpool sealed the English crown last weekend. The Gunners, who lead the third place of Newcastle for five points with four remaining games, remain in the driver’s seat to finish the second place for the third consecutive season.
Undoubtedly, Arteta will prioritize the rematch next week, as she should: while PSG deserved her victory on Tuesday, they also wasted several gold opportunities to fill their leadership. Kvarathskhelia was denied what he insisted on the shoulder of a criminal shot. Raya denied desire due to a rescue from all over the world. Goncalo Ramos shook the crossbar at the end of the second half.
If the gunners first score next week in Paris, neutral fans will be in a gift.
Doug McIntyre is Fox Sports football reporter who has covered USA National teams for men and women in the world cups of FIFA on five continents. Follow it @Bydougmcintyre.
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