
Arsenal FC is set for one of the most important matches in its modern history as the Gunners prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Parc des Princes on May 8, 2025.
Having lost the first leg 1–0 at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal now needs a big performance in Paris to overturn the deficit and reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
⚽ First Leg Recap
- Score: Arsenal 0–1 PSG
- Goal: Kylian Mbappé (78’)
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
PSG held firm defensively and capitalized late with a clinical finish from Kylian Mbappé, who remains the key threat heading into the second leg.
🔍 Tactical Breakdown
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, will likely adopt an aggressive pressing style while maintaining defensive shape. Key players include:
- Martin Ødegaard – the creative heartbeat of midfield
- Bukayo Saka – wide attacking threat
- Declan Rice – defensive anchor with box-to-box ability
- Gabriel Jesus – expected to return to the starting XI
PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, is expected to play on the counterattack, with pace from:
- Kylian Mbappé
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Vitinha
- Midfield control via Warren Zaïre-Emery and Manuel Ugarte
🗣️ What the Managers Said
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal):
“We believe. It’s one goal, and we’ve come back before. This group has character. We’ll leave everything on that pitch in Paris.”
Luis Enrique (PSG):
“Arsenal are dangerous, especially when they’re desperate. We need to be sharper and smarter than we were in London.”
🏟️ Match Details
- Fixture: PSG vs Arsenal – UEFA Champions League Semi-Final (2nd Leg)
- Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
- Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
- Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 20:00 BST
- Broadcast: BT Sport (UK), CBS/Paramount+ (US), UEFA.tv (Global updates)
🏆 What’s at Stake
- The winner advances to the Champions League Final at Wembley on June 1
- Awaiting opponent: Real Madrid, who beat Bayern Munich 2–1 on aggregate
- Arsenal seeks redemption for years of European disappointment
- PSG looks to return to the final after falling short in 2020 and 2021
🔮 Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Ødegaard, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
PSG (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Mendes; Ugarte, Vitinha, Zaïre-Emery; Dembélé, Mbappé, Ramos
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Arsenal, it’s a chance to make history. For PSG, another shot at elusive European glory. Expect drama, emotion, and world-class football under the lights in Paris.