Mon Apr 28 12:41:19 UTC 2025: ## Arsenal and PSG Clash in Champions League Semifinal Showdown

**London, England** – Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will face off in the first leg of their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semifinal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday at 8pm (19:00 GMT). The match pits two of Europe’s most dynamic clubs against each other, with both boasting impressive runs to reach this stage of the competition.

Arsenal, 13-time English league champions, are seeking their first-ever Champions League title. Their path to the semifinals included a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory over defending champions Real Madrid. However, manager Mikel Arteta faces selection headaches with midfielder Thomas Partey suspended and several players injured, including Jorginho, Ben White, and Riccardo Calafiori. Key players Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are ruled out for the season.

PSG, meanwhile, overcame a series of tough opponents. They dramatically defeated Liverpool in a penalty shootout in the round of 16 and then edged out Aston Villa in the quarterfinals (5-4 on aggregate). Their impressive domestic form, which included a 30-game unbeaten streak (recently snapped by a 3-1 loss to Nice), has been fueled by the prolific scoring of Ousmane Dembélé. Unlike their previous encounter in October, which Arsenal won 2-0, PSG arrive injury-free. Manager Luis Enrique is expected to field a similar starting XI to recent matches, possibly swapping Desire Doue for Bradley Barcola.

The match holds added personal significance for Arteta, who played under Enrique at Barcelona. Arteta has described Enrique as a hugely influential figure in his career and praised his managerial style.

The Gunners’ predicted starting XI features Aaron Ramsdale in goal, while PSG is likely to start with Gianluigi Donnarumma. The game promises a captivating encounter between two formidable teams vying for a place in the Champions League final. Al Jazeera Sport will provide live text and photo commentary.

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