Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his players to stage a memorable comeback after losing 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, saw Ousmane Dembele give PSG the lead with a fourth-minute goal, setting the tone for a tense and closely contested game.
Despite a slow start, Arsenal created several opportunities to equalize. Gianluigi Donnarumma made two crucial saves, denying Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. PSG had their own chances to extend the lead, with Goncalo Ramos hitting the crossbar and Bradley Barcola firing wide from close range.
Arteta made early tactical adjustments that helped Arsenal regain composure after PSG’s strong opening. He acknowledged a key issue in their setup was fixed within the first 15 minutes, allowing the team to shift momentum and apply more pressure. Still, the inability to convert chances proved costly.
After the match, Arteta reminded his squad that the tie is only at its halfway point. He expressed belief in the team’s ability to turn the result around in the return leg at Parc des Princes on May 7. Drawing parallels to their quarter-final win over Real Madrid, Arteta said Arsenal must deliver something exceptional in Paris to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
PSG manager Luis Enrique praised his team’s strong start and acknowledged the intense atmosphere inside the stadium. While pleased with the result, he stressed the need to stay focused in the second leg, warning against underestimating Arsenal’s potential to strike back.
He described the match as unpredictable, filled with chances for both sides, and emphasized that nothing has been decided yet. Enrique, who has mentored Arteta in the past, underlined that Arsenal remain a dangerous opponent capable of changing the outcome with one goal.
With both teams aiming to win the Champions League for the first time, the second leg promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Arteta’s message was clear: Arsenal must rise to the occasion and deliver something extraordinary.
