PSG vs Arsenal: Kvaratskhelia hits the post and Nuno Mendes’ yellow card mark the hot start to the semi-final

At 22 minutes into the first half, the Parc des Princes pulses with the intensity of PSG vs Arsenal, a match that will determine the second finalist of the 2024/25 Champions League. The score remains 0-0, but the game is far from dull. Arsenal, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, presses from the opening whistle, while PSG responds with quick and dangerous plays. The French crowd, with flares and chants, turns the stadium into a cauldron.

Kvaratskhelia, PSG’s standout, nearly opened the scoring with a shot that hit the post, thrilling the fans. Arsenal, meanwhile, had clear chances, with Martinelli and Rice testing goalkeeper Donnarumma, who has already made spectacular saves. A yellow card for Nuno Mendes and PSG’s precise passing show the match is balanced and full of excitement.

The game, which started at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), is watched by thousands in the stadium and millions via TV and streaming. PSG, with the advantage from the first leg, plays for a draw, while Arsenal needs at least one goal to force extra time.

• PSG Lineup: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz; Barcola, Doué, Kvaratskhelia.
• Arsenal Lineup: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Ødegaard, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
• Broadcast: TNT (cable TV), Max (streaming), ge.globo.com (real-time updates).
• Refereeing: Felix Zwayer, with Bastian Dankert on VAR.

Early electrifying moments

The match began with Arsenal applying relentless pressure, pinning PSG in their defensive half in the opening minutes. At 2 minutes, Declan Rice headed dangerously close after a Timber cross, but the ball skimmed past the post, with Donnarumma merely watching. A minute later, Martinelli struck a volley after a scramble in the box, forcing the Italian goalkeeper into a crucial save. The Gunners’ intensity reflects their need to score early to erase the deficit.

PSG, initially on the back foot, responded at 10 minutes with a move from Hakimi, who crossed straight into Raya’s hands. The French side’s passing, which hit over five consecutive touches by 15 minutes, began to balance possession. Luis Enrique’s team relies on Kvaratskhelia’s speed and Doué’s creativity to exploit gaps left by Arsenal’s defense.

At 16 minutes, PSG created their best chance so far. Kvaratskhelia linked up with Doué on the left, cut inside, and unleashed a curling shot that struck the post, momentarily silencing the English fans. The move showcased the Parisians’ attacking potential, as they now share control with Arsenal.

• 2’: Rice heads dangerously close after Timber’s cross.
• 3’: Martinelli hits a volley, but Donnarumma saves.
• 7’: Ødegaard shoots from distance, and Donnarumma makes a spectacular save.
• 10’: Hakimi crosses, but Raya intercepts.
• 16’: Kvaratskhelia hits the post with a curling shot.

⏱️ 18' I Yellow card to Nuno Mendes. 🟨#PSGARS 0-0 | #UCL

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 7, 2025

Discipline on the pitch

Nuno Mendes received the first yellow card of the match at 17 minutes, after a hard foul on Jurrien Timber. The infraction, committed on the right flank, halted a promising Arsenal move. The Portuguese left-back, a key piece in PSG’s defense, now needs to play cautiously to avoid a sending-off that could disrupt the team’s strategy.

Referee Felix Zwayer, known for his strictness, keeps the game under control, but the intensity of the duels suggests more cards may come. So far, PSG has committed three fouls, while Arsenal has none. Discipline will be crucial, especially for the French, who hold the aggregate lead.

Goalkeepers in the spotlight

Donnarumma is, so far, one of the game’s standout performers. The Italian goalkeeper made three vital saves, including a cinematic one at 7 minutes when Ødegaard unleashed a rocket from outside the box. The intervention, requiring lightning reflexes, kept the score level and boosted PSG’s confidence. Donnarumma, attended to after the save due to a collision, returned to goal without issues, sparing Safonov’s entry.

David Raya, for Arsenal, has also shown composure. At 10 minutes, he intercepted a dangerous Hakimi cross, preventing a clear chance for PSG. The goalkeepers’ performances reflect the technical quality of the match, with both teams creating opportunities that demand precise interventions.

Balanced possession

Possession is nearly split, with PSG holding 51% and Arsenal 49%. The French completed 84 passes with 82% accuracy, while the English have 102 passes with 77% precision. PSG’s passing, slow to click, gained fluidity by 15 minutes, with Fabián Ruiz and João Neves setting the tempo in midfield.

Arsenal, meanwhile, focuses on wing play, with Martinelli and Saka probing for spaces. The London side has taken five shots, two on target, while PSG had one shot, with Kvaratskhelia’s post-hit. The stats show a balanced game, with both teams trading spells of dominance.

• Possession: PSG 51%, Arsenal 49%.
• Pass accuracy: PSG 82%, Arsenal 77%.
• Shots: Arsenal 5, PSG 1.
• Saves: Donnarumma 2, Raya 0.

Stadium atmosphere

The Parc des Princes is electric, with 47,929 fans packing the stands. PSG’s ultras in the Curva Auteuil welcomed the team with flares and chants, creating an intimidating atmosphere. The 2,000 Arsenal fans, gathered in the away section, counter with flags and shouts, keeping support alive despite the local pressure.

Before the game, the stadium’s surroundings were buzzing, with bars like Le Parc packed with fans. Security was bolstered, with over 500 police officers ensuring safety. The mild weather, at 18°C with partly cloudy skies, favors both fans and players, who find a pitch in pristine condition.

Tactical strategies

Luis Enrique deployed PSG in a 4-3-3, with Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz forming a solid midfield. Dembélé’s absence, starting on the bench due to a muscle strain, gave way to Barcola, who joins Doué and Kvaratskhelia in attack. The strategy is to maintain possession and exploit counterattacks, leveraging the wingers’ speed.

Mikel Arteta, also in a 4-3-3, banks on Thomas Partey’s return to provide midfield balance alongside Ødegaard and Rice. Saka and Martinelli, on the wings, aim to stretch PSG’s defense, while Merino, improvised up top, offers movement. Arsenal’s high press seeks to force PSG errors, as seen in the opening minutes.

The tactical battle is clear, with PSG aiming to control the tempo and Arsenal pushing for verticality. Finishing efficiency will be key, especially for the English, who need goals to advance.

Key players

Kvaratskhelia is PSG’s main highlight so far, with his post-hitting shot at 16 minutes showcasing his threat. The Georgian attacker, with seven goals this season, blends speed and precision, posing a constant danger. For Arsenal, Martinelli leads the attack, with two dangerous shots in the opening minutes.

Declan Rice, cheered by the English fans, also stands out, with a close header at 2 minutes and active pressing. A banner honoring him in the stadium reflects his importance after shining against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals. Jorginho, a target for Flamengo, is on the bench, bolstering Arteta’s options.

• Kvaratskhelia: 1 shot, 1 post hit.
• Martinelli: 2 shots, 1 on target.
• Rice: 1 dangerous header, 85% pass accuracy.
• Donnarumma: 2 crucial saves.

Match history

PSG and Arsenal have a balanced history, with five prior European meetings. Arsenal won twice, and three games ended in draws. In this season’s league phase, the Gunners won 2-0 at the Emirates, but PSG took the first leg of the semifinal with a Dembélé goal.

The current tie, with a 1-0 aggregate lead for PSG, keeps the rivalry tight. PSG’s unbeaten run at the Parc des Princes in the Champions League since 2023 is an extra hurdle for Arsenal, who aim to replicate performances like their 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu.

Fan expectations

PSG fans have turned the stadium into a visual spectacle, with mosaics and flares since the team’s entrance. The Curva Auteuil, the heart of the support, vows to keep pressure on Arsenal. English fans, though outnumbered, respond with chants and flags, creating a sonic contrast in the stands.

On social media, the hashtag #PSGARS trends, with thousands of posts about the game’s moments. PSG fans celebrate Kvaratskhelia’s chance, while Arsenal supporters highlight the Gunners’ early pressure. The rivalry between the fanbases adds even more excitement to a match that remains open and unpredictable.