Arsenal journeys to face PSG, aiming to reverse the deficit and secure their first Champions League final appearance in nearly two decades.
Let's Get Real:
PARIS (AP) - With Thomas Partey back in the mix, Arsenal is aiming high to flip the script on a 1-0 deficit against PSG and follow in the footsteps of a select few teams who've conquered history in Europe's elite competition, the Champions League.
The Gunners take the field at the Parc des Princes later tonight, aiming for their first Champions League final in an 19-year drought. The victor will face Inter Milan on May 31, after the tri-time champions bested Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in one of the tournament's most legendary semifinals.
Both squads are chasing their first titles, and they'll rekindle memories of their last finals appearances - PSG lost to Dortmund last year, while Arsenal fell to Barcelona in 2006.
Partey's suspension loomed large over the initial clash, leaving a noticeable void on the pitch. Despite Declan Rice's valiant effort in a less advanced role, PSG dominated the midfield early on. With Partey's reentry, Mikel Merino may have a chance to shine up front, a position he's thrived in thanks to Kai Havertz's injury.
"We're gunning for history," declared Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, who eyes a chance to right the wrongs of the first leg and seize an improbable victory. "We've got a result under our belt that gives us clarity about what we need to do. We've learned a ton from the first leg, and the margin between the two squads… well, in my view, it should've been far greater."
To join the ranks of Ajax in 1996 and Tottenham in 2019 as the only teams to reach the Champions League final after losing the first leg of their semifinal at home, Arsenal must stage an impressive comeback.
PSG also got a timely lift as Ousmane Dembélé returned to training this week, recovering from a slight hamstring issue. The France forward's form has been dynamic since the new year, tallying eight goals in nine Champions League appearances in 2025, including the winner in the opening leg.
PSG has claimed victory in 18 of 19 ties following a first-leg away win, while Arsenal has yet to overturn a home first-leg defeat in European competition, losing all five tilts.
"We're sticking to our guns," said PSG coach Luis Enrique, who's built a dynamic, resilient team in his two seasons at the helm. "We're heading into this match, ready to capitalize on our strengths. If things don't go our way, we'll be resilient enough to turn the tides."
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- Arsenal, with Thomas Partey now available, aims to emulate historical teams in the Champions League, searching for their first final appearance in an 19-year spell.
- In Toronto, sports fans eagerly await the news of Arsenal's semi-final match against PSG, as the Premier League team seeks to turnaround a 1-0 deficit.
- Opinions are divided across European leagues, with some believing that Arsenal still has a chance to reach the Champions League final, emulating Ajax in 1996 and Tottenham in 2019.
- If Arsenal is to achieve this feat, they will need topull off an impressive comeback in the Champions League 2025, adding their name to the select few who managed to do so.
- In the meantime, PSG has a strong chance to capitalize on their first-leg away win, with Ousmane Dembele returning to form and strengthening their offensive line.
- Ironically, if PSG achieves victory, they will join Arsenal in the ranks of teams who have yet to overcome a home first-leg defeat in European competition, having lost all five such encounters.
