PSG's misses in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final could cost them.

The first leg of the Champions League semi-final on April 30 at the Emirates saw Luis Enrique's side dominate for most of the match, but the 1-0 scoreline left fans feeling regretful for what should have been a much more emphatic victory.

A 9 point performance

"Dembélé is ready!" - that was the headline in many French newspapers after the match. The French star not only shook the Emirates with the opening goal just a few minutes later, but also became a nightmare for Arsenal's defense throughout the first half.

Donnarumma created an impenetrable wall in goal. The Italian goalkeeper, who has been heavily criticised for poor performances at this stadium in the past, responded with a series of brilliant saves, leaving Arsenal's strikers holding their heads in disappointment.

"I always knew I had the ability to play at this level," Donnarumma said after the match. "Tonight was about pride and determination. We fought like real warriors."

But PSG should have put the game to bed early. The final minutes of the second half saw an impressive display from the visitors, with Barcola and Goncalo Ramos finding the back of the net.

Barcola - the rising star of French football - missed a chance with an expected goals (xG) of 0.34. Ramos was even more to blame when he faced goalkeeper Raya late in the match, but decided to finish too cleverly, sending the ball just wide of the post. The xG in this situation was 0.37.

"The missed chances will haunt us," coach Luis Enrique said in a post-match press conference. "The Champions League is an unforgiving competition. We should have beaten them 3-0 or 4-0 tonight."

Donnarumma becomes a solid stopper for PSG.

Meanwhile, Arteta's Arsenal looked like a team without direction. Saka and Ødegaard - the Gunners' two brightest stars - almost disappeared under the pressure from PSG. Without Thomas Partey in midfield, Arsenal looked like a rudderless ship in the middle of a storm.

"We couldn't find the rhythm," admitted coach Arteta. "PSG forced us into a defensive position at times. But fortunately we only conceded one goal. Everything is still open for the second leg."

That is exactly what Luis Enrique is worried about. Just a one-goal lead means Arsenal still have a chance to turn things around at the Parc des Princes.

Bernabeu haunting still exists

PSG cannot forget the bitter defeat against Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the 2021/22 season, when they took a two-goal lead but then lost 2-3 on aggregate in the final 30 minutes. The Bernabeu haunts them, and now they cannot let history repeat itself.

"We learned a valuable lesson," midfielder Vitinha insisted. "This time, we have to be more ruthless. One goal is too little for what we created tonight."

1-0 is not safe for PSG.

Next week, the Parc des Princes will be in full swing as PSG host Arsenal in the second leg of their semi-final. With a 1-0 advantage, Luis Enrique's side are favourites, but anything can happen in football.

"A 1-0 win is good, but it's not enough to reassure us," captain Marquinhos warned. "Arsenal will come back stronger. We need to score from the start to settle the game."

One thing is for sure: PSG will not be able to squander their chances like they did at the Emirates. In the cutthroat world of the Champions League, generosity with goalscoring opportunities often comes at a cost.

Will PSG regret scoring just one goal against Arsenal? The answer will be revealed in Paris next week.

Source: https://znews.vn/bo-lo-co-hoi-ket-lieu-arsenal-psg-de-tra-gia-post1550281.html