Both teams, giants of the continent, share a common goal: winning the UEFA Champions League, a trophy neither has claimed yet. Arsenal, hosting the match in London, will take the field two days after Liverpool’s Premier League triumph.

Both teams aim to reach their second-ever Champions League final. PSG lost the 2019-20 final to Bayern Munich (under Hansi Flick), while Arsenal fell to Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona in the final 19 years ago.

PSG, recently struggling with form (a 1-1 draw against Nantes in Ligue 1 and a 3-1 loss to Nice), seeks to regain peak performance to eliminate an Arsenal side riding high after knocking out Real Madrid on April 16.

This is PSG’s fourth semi-final in six years (2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025) and their second consecutive appearance; last year, they lost to Borussia Dortmund. However, the defensive duo of Marquinhos-Pau Torres, midfielders Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, and Neves, and forward Ousmane Dembélé have not been at their best recently.

After the loss to Nice, Luis Enrique expressed no concern, citing his team’s numerous chances. The former Barcelona and Spain coach sees his squad fully prepared for this clash.

PSG’s attack must deliver against Arsenal, the Premier League’s best defensive team. Arsenal defeated PSG 2-0 at the Emirates in October’s group stage—a match where Enrique benched Dembélé due to dissatisfaction, a decision he later called a turning point for the former Barcelona player.

A banner at Stamford Bridge calls Chelsea “London’s only European champions.” Arsenal dreams of ending that narrative, hoping Arteta’s attractive football will finally bring European glory, though the second leg will be at Parc des Princes.

Arsenal had a rest this week and enters fresher. However, Arteta will be without Thomas Partey (suspended) and Jorginho (injured until season’s end). Thus, Mikel Merino will play in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, with Leandro Trossard as the “false nine.”

Tonight is decisive. At the Emirates, Arsenal and PSG will battle to take the first step toward the May 31 final at Munich’s Allianz Arena against either Barcelona or Inter.