Paris Saint-Germain took a vital step toward the Champions League final with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to an early goal from Ousmane Dembélé. The French winger struck just four minutes into the match, finishing a well-placed pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of the standout performers of the night.

The visitors dominated the opening half hour, imposing their rhythm and disrupting Arsenal’s build-up play. Dembélé’s goal, a composed finish inside the box, stunned the home crowd and gave PSG an early grip on the game. Kvaratskhelia, lively and elusive on the left flank, proved a constant headache for the Arsenal defense.

As the first half wore on, the game became increasingly tense. Some of referee Vincic’s decisions, particularly a few contentious yellow cards, sparked frustration among both players and fans. That shift in energy seemed to galvanize Arsenal, who began to generate real chances late in the half. Gianluigi Donnarumma, however, stood firm, denying several promising efforts and preserving PSG’s lead heading into the break.

Arsenal came out with renewed intensity in the second half. Their aggression nearly paid off when Mikel Merino found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. That proved to be a turning point. PSG, under Luis Enrique’s direction, tightened their defensive lines and absorbed the pressure with composure and discipline.

Donnarumma was once again instrumental, commanding his area and making critical saves to frustrate the Gunners, who struggled to find a breakthrough despite their possession and intent. Arsenal’s attacking trio looked increasingly stifled as the minutes ticked by, and the crowd grew restless.

The only blemish on PSG’s night was the injury to Dembélé, who was forced off in the second half. His status for the return leg remains uncertain.

With 90 minutes still to play in Paris, the tie remains open, but PSG leave London with the upper hand, and a precious away goal that could prove decisive in the road to Munich.