The UEFA Champions League semifinals begin on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium in North London, where Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain with a place in next month`s final at stake.
Tuesday`s match marks the end of Arsenal`s 16-year absence from the Champions League semifinals. In contrast, PSG are appearing at this stage for the fourth time in six seasons, although they haven`t lifted the trophy yet. This match is a rematch of their group stage meeting in North London, which Arsenal won 2-0. The past six months, including the winter transfer window, have significantly changed the French champions. PSG are now considered the second favorites to win the Champions League, and a closely contested tie is expected for both teams.
Arsenal recently defeated Real Madrid two weeks ago, highlighted by two spectacular set-piece goals from Declan Rice, reaching a new peak in their long-term progression under manager Mikel Arteta. However, the two teams are at different stages; while PSG are aiming for a treble, this season for them is more about introducing the tactical changes brought by Luis Enrique. Arsenal, conversely, might need a trophy this season to demonstrate continued progress in Arteta`s fifth year, proving they haven`t stagnated.
Here`s what you need to know before the match.
Match Details: How to Watch, Time, and Odds
- Date: Tuesday, April 29 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+ (Star Cam: CBS Sports Golazo Network)
- Odds: Arsenal +105; Draw +250; Paris Saint-Germain +250
Last Meeting
In their last meeting in October, Arsenal secured a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. This match showcased the Gunners at their most effective; despite still needing a dedicated goalscorer, they were clinical, placing five of their six shots on target. Arsenal also outperformed PSG in expected goals, achieving 0.71 xG compared to the visitors` 0.4 xG from 10 shots. It was a subdued performance from Enrique`s team, highlighting the challenges of their group stage and moderating expectations for their initial season without Kylian Mbappe. However, the situation in Paris has shifted significantly since then.
Arsenal`s Perspective
UEFA Champions League semifinals have been rare for Arsenal, particularly when facing teams with more experience at this level. However, following their impressive performance against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, the Gunners are now filled with a new sense of confidence, leading to a shift in mindset for the home side. As Mikel Arteta mentioned in his pre-match comments on Monday, Arsenal now believe they can match their talent and potentially go all the way.
`It`s about visualizing it,` he stated. `Being convinced. You step onto that pitch thinking you`re going to beat them, that you`ll be better than them tomorrow, and you`ll do everything you know is right to win the game. Go there with conviction. Feeling that conviction all around is crucial. By creating that energy, we significantly increase our chances of winning. That`s the feeling I have within the team – we are genuinely looking forward to playing tomorrow and will give our absolute best to secure the win.`
Paris Saint-Germain`s Perspective
Securing a place in the Champions League semifinals naturally brings confidence, especially for a PSG team whose deep run has surprised many. It`s also beneficial that Luis Enrique`s side has a solid record against English opponents; they defeated Manchester City in the group stage and followed up with victories over Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds.
`In terms of confidence, this is very positive for us,` Luis Enrique commented. `We defeated Liverpool, and they won the Premier League this year. However, that doesn`t guarantee anything because every match is unique. Everyone says the Premier League is the world`s best league; I`m not sure I fully agree. Nevertheless, we are very confident and eager to play in the semifinal.`
The only English side PSG haven`t managed to overcome yet is Arsenal, although Enrique contended that PSG are a significantly different team now compared to the one that played in North London last autumn.
`The match you`re referring to was on October 1st, seven or eight months ago,` he added. `There are significant differences between then and now. I`ve reviewed that game and seen how much our playing style has progressed; we are better now. We are a more complete team.`
Predicted Starting 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
Key Player Spotlight
Declan Rice, Arsenal: While Arsenal scored five goals against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, their strong performance over both legs was built on a solid defense that largely neutralized Los Blancos` star-filled attack. Declan Rice was vital to this, thanks to his skill in disrupting Real Madrid`s play. His two goals in the first leg were also a significant bonus. Facing a PSG team known for their unique pressing style that makes them a formidable attacking threat, Rice will be essential for delivering another strong performance to contain the visitors and potentially help Arsenal move closer to their first Champions League final in nearly two decades.
Key Storyline
Paris Saint-Germain and the Treble Hunt: Only two teams remain with a chance of winning the treble: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. PSG have already secured the Ligue 1 title, and a victory over Reims in the Coupe de France final in May seems likely, making a domestic double expected for this team regardless of their rebuild. It is their performance in the Champions League that will truly define their season and serve as a benchmark for evaluating this younger, Enrique-led team in the coming years. Even before the Champions League semifinals begin, their impressive run and status as arguably Europe`s most entertaining team are undeniable. The key question, since they eliminated Liverpool in the round of 16, is how much further they can advance, both now and in the near future.
Prediction
Thierry Henry suggested that this PSG team would be tougher to face than Real Madrid, and for good reason – Luis Enrique has expertly reshaped his squad in a way that pressures opponents with their press and potent attack. Even for a defense as skilled as Arsenal`s, confronting PSG presents a distinct challenge that might slightly favor the visitors. Anticipate a tightly contested first leg, but one that could lean towards PSG before the decisive second leg in Paris next week. Prediction: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2
