Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are set to clash at the Parc Des Princes in the decisive second leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. With Inter Milan having already secured their place in the final on May 31 in Munich, the path is now clear for the winner of this encounter. PSG holds a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, adding significant pressure to this crucial return fixture.
In the initial leg, PSG narrowly avoided conceding an equalizer, with VAR intervening to disallow Mikel Merino`s finish. This served as a clear warning regarding Arsenal`s potential threat, especially from set pieces. Playing on home soil, PSG will benefit from considerable crowd support. However, considering neither club has ever won the Champions League title, the mental fortitude of the players is likely to be severely tested.
First Leg Summary
The first leg unfolded largely as a tactical battle. Ousmane Dembele gave PSG an early lead just four minutes into the game, which set the tone. PSG dominated for roughly 20 minutes thereafter before Arsenal`s defense adjusted. While the Gunners subsequently created better scoring opportunities, PSG`s early goal proved sufficient to take a one-goal advantage into the Paris leg.
Coach Perspectives
For Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, the stakes are immense. Having won the FA Cup but missed out on the Premier League title multiple times, reaching the Champions League final would arguably be Arteta`s greatest achievement as Arsenal manager.
Arteta commented on the magnitude of the occasion: “Yeah, one of the most beautiful, for sure. I mean, again, one win away from being in the final. We cannot ask for anything else. Let`s not do the talking [now], let`s do it tomorrow on that pitch at 9pm [CET] when the game starts. Show our best, best, best, best version and win the game.”
To secure victory, Arteta will need a more impactful performance from players like Martin Odegaard, having prepared his team for the challenge ahead.
On the PSG side, even after Kylian Mbappe`s departure, the team has successfully reshaped under Luis Enrique. Enrique is clear about the team`s objective for this match. With his birthday the day after the match, the team has an extra incentive, but having experienced many high-stakes games, Enrique remains focused.
Enrique stated: “We`re here because we deserve to be, we won the first game and tomorrow`s objective is to win the second. There are a lot of potential keys, but I think we have to show the confidence that our supporters have shown us, in terms of effort and emotional intelligence. There will be details we can control. We`re going to have to stay true to the ideas we`ve had so far. We`re going to go into this match and build on our strengths. If things don`t go our way, we`ll be competitive enough to turn things around.”
Predicted Lineups
- PSG: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Arsenal: David Raya, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Ben White, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka
Player to Watch
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG: A key addition to PSG, Kvaratskhelia`s arrival in January seems to have been perfect for their system. While his overall goal contributions (four goals, five assists in 22 appearances across all competitions) might seem modest, four of these have come in Champions League play. Kvaratskhelia has a knack for stepping up in crucial moments. Against an Arsenal defense focused on individual duels, his dribbling ability could be the difference-maker if he wins his matchups.
Key Storyline to Watch
Will the pressure of a potential treble affect PSG? With Barcelona eliminated by Inter, PSG remains the only team with a chance at securing a treble this season. Having already won Ligue 1 and set to play in the Coupe De France final, they are just three wins away from this remarkable feat. However, accomplishing this is far from easy. Every team that reaches this stage faces setbacks. Enrique will want to avoid a Champions League exit like Barcelona`s. While a treble is enticing, a Champions League title, which PSG has never won, holds immense significance and adds a unique layer of pressure. Yet, pressure can also forge greatness.
Prediction
PSG may not score as early as they did in the first leg, but expect Ousmane Dembele to find the net again in the first half, bringing relief to the home crowd. Arsenal will likely create moments of tension by scoring themselves, but it won`t be enough. PSG will secure an insurance goal to close out the match in regulation time. Pick: PSG 2, Arsenal 1
