The UEFA Champions League semifinals commence this Tuesday at Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal hosts Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial match with a place in next month`s final at stake.
For Arsenal, this game marks their first appearance in a Champions League semifinal in 16 years. In contrast, PSG are returning to this stage for the fourth time in six seasons. This encounter is also a rematch of their earlier meeting in the league phase in North London, which Arsenal won 2-0. However, significant changes have occurred over the past six months, including the winter transfer window, dramatically altering the French champions` prospects. They are now considered the second favorites to win the entire Champions League, setting the stage for a highly competitive tie.
Arsenal demonstrated their peak form recently by convincingly defeating Real Madrid, highlighted by two spectacular set-piece goals from Declan Rice. Under manager Mikel Arteta, the team continues its upward trajectory. Yet, the two clubs find themselves at different points in their development. While PSG are pursuing a potential treble, this season represents an introduction to Luis Enrique`s new tactical approach. For Arsenal, securing a trophy might be necessary to prove they haven`t reached a plateau in Arteta`s fifth year in charge.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 29
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
- Odds: Arsenal +105; Draw +250; Paris Saint-Germain +250
Previous Encounter
Arsenal secured a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory in October with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. This match showcased the Gunners at their effective best – despite acknowledging a need for a prolific striker, they were clinical, placing five of their six shots on target. They also outperformed PSG in expected goals, generating 0.71 xG compared to the visitors` 0.4 xG from 10 shots. It was an underwhelming performance from Enrique`s side, reflecting the challenge of their league phase group and tempering early expectations in their first season without Kylian Mbappe. However, the atmosphere in the French capital has shifted considerably since then.
Arsenal`s Perspective
Champions League semifinals are rare moments in Arsenal`s history, particularly when facing an opponent with recent experience at this level. However, the Gunners possess newfound confidence following their emphatic quarterfinal performance against Real Madrid. This has led to a palpable change in mindset among the hosts. As Mikel Arteta articulated in his pre-match comments on Monday, Arsenal now pairs their talent with a strong belief in their ability to win the competition.
“It`s just visualising it,” he stated. “To be convinced. You go on that pitch thinking we`re going to beat them, we`re going to be better than them tomorrow and do everything we understand is the right thing to win the game. Go there with a conviction. Feel the conviction around, that is key. To create that energy, we are going to be much closer to winning the game. That`s what I feel in the team. That we are really looking forward to playing the game tomorrow and we`re going to give our very best to win the game.”
Paris Saint-Germain`s Perspective
Reaching the Champions League semifinals naturally brings confidence, especially for a PSG team that has defied some expectations with their deep run. Luis Enrique`s side also boasts a solid record against English opponents, having defeated Manchester City in the league phase and subsequently overcoming Liverpool and Aston Villa in knockout stages. Enrique expressed a fighting spirit on Monday.
“In terms of confidence, it is very positive for us,” Enrique commented. “We beat Liverpool and they won the Premier League this year. But that doesn`t mean anything because every single match is different. Everybody speaks about the Premier League as being the best league in the world. I don`t know if I agree or not. But we are full of confidence and looking forward to playing in the semifinal.”
Arsenal is the only English team they haven`t managed to defeat this season, but Enrique argued that PSG are a significantly different team now compared to their earlier meeting in London.
“The game that you are talking about took place on 1 October so that was seven or eight months ago,” he said. “There are huge differences between now and then. I have reviewed the game, and seen how far our game has come and we are better now. We are a more complete team.”
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Paris Saint-Germain: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Player to Watch
Declan Rice, Arsenal: While Arsenal netted five goals against Real Madrid over two legs in the quarterfinals, the bedrock of their impressive showing was a formidable defense that effectively neutralized Los Blancos` star-studded attack. Declan Rice was instrumental in this defensive effort, excelling at breaking up play. His two goals in the first leg were an added bonus. Facing a PSG side known for its unique press and attacking threat, Rice will be crucial in delivering another standout performance to contain the visitors and potentially propel Arsenal closer to their first Champions League final in nearly two decades.
Storyline to Watch
Paris Saint-Germain`s Treble Pursuit: Only two teams globally still have a chance at winning the treble: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. PSG have already secured the Ligue 1 title and are favorites to win the Coupe de France final in May. While a domestic double was anticipated, it is their Champions League performance that will ultimately define their season and establish the benchmark for this youth-focused version of Enrique`s team for years to come. Regardless of the semifinal outcome, they have already impressed, earning a reputation as Europe`s most entertaining side. The key question, ongoing since their Round of 16 win over Liverpool, is how far they can go, both in the current campaign and in the near future.
Match Prediction
As Thierry Henry noted, this PSG team presents a tougher challenge than Real Madrid. Luis Enrique has skillfully reshaped his squad, making them difficult opponents due to their pressing intensity and strong attacking output. Even for a defense as talented as Arsenal`s, facing PSG poses a unique test that might slightly favor the visitors. Expect a competitive first leg, but one that could tilt in PSG`s favor ahead of the decisive return game in Paris. Prediction: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2
