Paris Beckons as Arsenal Aim to Overturn First-Leg Deficit
Arsenal head to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night with the daunting task of clawing back a one-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal.
Ousmane Dembélé’s precise finish in North London is all that separates the two teams, giving PSG a slender edge as they return to home turf. Luis Enrique’s side, however, won’t be taking anything for granted — especially after a recent slump in domestic form.
Recent Form & First-Leg Recap
Arsenal’s performance in the first leg left much to be desired, and things haven’t improved since. Mikel Arteta’s side fell 2–1 at home to Bournemouth over the weekend, extending their winless run to three matches. Arteta resisted resting key players, a decision that could cost them with tired legs in Paris.
In contrast, PSG rotated heavily in their 2–1 defeat to Strasbourg on Saturday. While they too are navigating a tricky spell, the French champions appear more focused on securing a spot in their first Champions League final since 2020.
PSG have already lost three times at home this season — including to Liverpool in the Round of 16 — offering Arsenal a glimmer of hope. But the Gunners will need a near-flawless display in a high-pressure environment.
Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- PSG Wins: 1
- Arsenal Wins: 2
- Draws: 2
- Last Meeting: Arsenal 0–1 PSG (April 29, 2025)
Recent Results (All Competitions)
PSG:
- Strasbourg 2–1 PSG
- Arsenal 0–1 PSG
- PSG 1–3 Nice
- Nantes 1–1 PSG
- PSG 2–1 Le Havre
Arsenal:
- Arsenal 1–2 Bournemouth
- Arsenal 0–1 PSG
- Arsenal 2–2 Crystal Palace
- Ipswich 0–4 Arsenal
- Real Madrid 1–2 Arsenal
Team News
PSG
Dembélé’s injury scare in the first leg appears to be a false alarm — he’s back in training and confirmed fit. That means PSG are expected to field an unchanged lineup. The only absentee remains Presnel Kimpembe (foot injury).
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
Arsenal
Thomas Partey returns from suspension and is set to start in midfield. Martin Ødegaard should be fit despite a knock, while Jurrien Timber remains doubtful. Gabriel Jesus, Havertz, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Jorginho, and Calafiori are all sidelined.
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Prediction
While Arsenal’s road win at the Bernabéu proves they can deliver on big nights, recent form and injury issues cast doubt on their ability to rally in Paris. PSG were superior in the first leg and with Dembélé back and the home crowd behind them, they look poised to finish the job.
Prediction: PSG 0-2 Arsenal