The UEFA Champions League 2024–25 season has reached its critical semi-final stage, and the first-leg matches have lived up to every bit of the anticipation. On one side, Paris Saint-Germain earned a vital 1-0 away win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. On the other, Barcelona and Inter Milan lit up the night in Spain with a pulsating 3-3 draw that had everything — goals, drama, and record-breaking performances.
These results set up perfectly balanced return legs, with both ties offering the potential for thrilling conclusions. As teams aim for a spot in the final in Munich on May 31st, fans around the globe are treated to some of the most compelling football of the season.
Let’s dive deep into each match, analyze key player performances, explore notable statistics, and look at what it all means for the road ahead.
Arsenal 0–1 Paris Saint-Germain: Dembélé Delivers, PSG Break New Ground
PSG’s First Ever Victory Over Arsenal
Paris Saint-Germain entered the semi-finals with a score to settle. In five previous matches against Arsenal in European competition, they had failed to record a single victory, drawing three and losing twice. But that changed in North London as PSG finally triumphed over the Gunners with a resolute 1-0 win — their first over Arsenal in European play.
It was a performance defined by structure, concentration, and clinical execution. From the outset, PSG showed their intent. Their pressing was coordinated, their midfield controlled the tempo, and their attacking trio — especially Ousmane Dembélé — constantly threatened Arsenal’s backline.
Dembélé’s Statement Performance
Ousmane Dembélé was electric on the night. It took him just four minutes to make an impact. A beautiful passing sequence — the longest uninterrupted buildup to a goal in PSG’s Champions League history — ended with Dembélé rifling home from the edge of the box. The strike was technically superb, hit with pace and precision, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with no chance.
This was Dembélé’s 25th goal of 2025 across all competitions — a remarkable number considering he had scored only 13 in all of 2024. His transformation under PSG manager Luis Enrique has been stunning. No player across Europe’s top five leagues has scored more goals than Dembélé in the calendar year so far.
Beyond the goal, Dembélé tormented Arsenal’s defense throughout the night. His movement, control in tight spaces, and incisive passing showed why PSG were so keen to bring him in from Barcelona. His link-up with Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi was a constant source of danger for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal’s Missed Opportunities and Tactical Limitations
Despite falling behind early, Arsenal had their moments. Leandro Trossard saw a curling effort just miss the far post, Martin Ødegaard orchestrated several threatening attacks, and Mikel Merino thought he had equalized — only for the goal to be ruled out for a marginal offside.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, the teenage sensation, became the youngest English player and the youngest Premier League player to feature in a Champions League semi-final at just 18 years and 215 days old. The midfielder displayed composure and energy beyond his years but was understandably overawed at times by the occasion and PSG’s experience.
Arteta’s side looked more predictable than in previous matches. Their usual high-intensity pressing game was blunted by PSG’s technical excellence and quick ball movement. Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka were largely ineffective, while Kai Havertz struggled to make a meaningful impact.
Arsenal’s home defeat was their fifth in the first leg of a two-legged Champions League knockout tie. In each of the previous four instances, they failed to overturn the deficit in the return leg — a concerning precedent for fans of the North London club.
Historical Context and What Comes Next
PSG became the 14th team in Champions League history to win the first leg of a semi-final away from home. Of the previous 13, 11 progressed to the final. This bodes well for the French side, who are now favorites heading into the second leg at the Parc des Princes.
Interestingly, this was also PSG’s third time winning the first away leg of a Champions League semi-final — a feat never before achieved by any other club. AC Milan, Ajax, and Real Madrid had done it twice each, but PSG now stand alone.
Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Champions League came to a halt after eight matches — their second-longest ever in a single campaign. Whether they can recover from this defeat and find a way past PSG in Paris remains to be seen, but history is not on their side.
Key Stats from PSG vs Arsenal
- 1 – PSG’s first-ever win over Arsenal in European competition.
- 2/14 – Only two teams out of 14 who won the first leg of a UCL semi-final away failed to progress.
- 3 – PSG are the first club to win three away first legs in UCL semi-final history.
- 7 – PSG’s seventh away win in a UCL knockout first leg; they advanced in five of the previous six.
- 5 – Arsenal’s fifth first-leg home loss in a UCL knockout tie; they’ve never come back from one.
- 18y 215d – Myles Lewis-Skelly became the youngest English player to appear in a UCL semi-final.
- 25 – Dembélé’s total goals in 2025, more than any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
- 6 – Dembélé’s knockout stage goal contributions for PSG this season, tied with Mbappé’s 2020–21 record.
- 11 – Dembélé’s total goal involvements this UCL campaign (8 goals, 3 assists).
- 0 – Arsenal failed to score at home in a UCL game for the first time since 2016.
Barcelona 3–3 Inter Milan: Yamal Shines in Six-Goal Thriller
A Match for the Ages
In a match that will be remembered for its drama and quality, Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a 3-3 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium. The game had everything: early goals, comebacks, individual brilliance, and moments of controversy.
Inter Milan struck first, with Marcus Thuram scoring within the first minute. Denzel Dumfries added a second in the 21st minute, putting the visitors in a commanding position. However, Barcelona responded with goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, leveling the score before halftime.
The second half saw both teams continue to attack with intent. Inter regained the lead through another goal from Dumfries, but Barcelona equalized once more, this time with a goal credited as an own goal by Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer after a shot from Raphinha hit the crossbar and bounced off the keeper into the net.
Lamine Yamal’s Historic Performance
At just 17 years and 291 days old, Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semi-final. His performance was nothing short of sensational, as he not only scored a crucial goal but also provided an assist and nearly won the game with a late shot that struck the bar.
Yamal’s creativity, composure, and technical ability belied his age, and he was rightly hailed as the standout performer of the match. His emergence as a key player for Barcelona adds a new dimension to their attack and provides hope for the future.
Tactical Battles and Managerial Decisions
Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, praised his team’s fighting spirit and offensive prowess but acknowledged the defensive vulnerabilities that allowed Inter to score three times. He emphasized the need for better organization, particularly on set pieces and counterattacks.
Inter’s Simone Inzaghi was pleased with his team’s attacking performance but expressed concern over their inability to maintain leads. He highlighted the importance of concentration and discipline in the second leg.
Both managers made tactical adjustments throughout the game, with substitutions and formation changes aimed at gaining control. The match was a showcase of strategic thinking and adaptability from both sides.
Key Stats from Barcelona vs Inter Milan
- 3 – Barcelona conceded three goals at home in a UCL semi-final for the first time since 2013.
- 17y 291d – Lamine Yamal became the youngest scorer in a UCL semi-final.
- 2 – Denzel Dumfries scored two goals, marking his first UCL brace.
- 3 – Inter Milan scored three goals in a UCL semi-final for the first time since 2010.
- 71.5% – Barcelona’s possession percentage, highlighting their dominance in ball control.
- 19 – Barcelona’s total shot attempts, compared to Inter’s 7.
- 0 – Number of saves made by Barcelona’s goalkeeper, indicating defensive lapses.
Looking Ahead: Second Leg Previews
PSG vs Arsenal
PSG will host Arsenal at the Parc des Princes with a 1-0 advantage. The French side will aim to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a place in the final. Arsenal, on the other hand, must find a way to break down PSG’s defense and score at least once to stay in the tie.
Key factors for Arsenal include the performances of their attacking players and the ability to control the midfield. PSG will look to Dembélé and their cohesive team play to maintain their lead.
Inter Milan vs Barcelona
The second leg at the San Siro promises to be another thrilling encounter. With the aggregate score tied at 3-3, both teams have everything to play for. Inter will rely on their attacking prowess and home support, while Barcelona will seek to tighten their defense and leverage their offensive talents.
The performances of young stars like Lamine Yamal and experienced players like Dumfries will be crucial in determining the outcome.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the UEFA Champions League semi-finals?
The UEFA Champions League semi-finals are the penultimate round of the prestigious European club football competition. It involves the four teams that have advanced through the knockout stages, competing in a two-legged tie (home and away) to decide which two teams will reach the final and compete for the Champions League trophy.
When are the second legs of the 2024-25 Champions League semi-finals?
The second legs of the 2024-25 Champions League semi-finals are scheduled for May 7th and 8th, 2025. PSG will host Arsenal at the Parc des Princes, while Inter Milan will welcome Barcelona to the San Siro.
How are the UEFA Champions League semi-finals decided?
Each semi-final consists of two legs: one at each team’s home stadium. The team with the higher aggregate score (sum of goals scored in both legs) after both matches advances to the final. In case of a tie on aggregate, the team with more away goals advances. If the away goals rule is not enough to separate the teams, the match will go to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Who scored in the first leg of PSG vs Arsenal?
In the first leg, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won 1-0 at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. The only goal of the match came from Ousmane Dembélé in the 4th minute. This was PSG’s first-ever victory against Arsenal in European competitions.
What happened in the Barcelona vs Inter Milan first leg?
The first leg of the Barcelona vs Inter Milan semi-final ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Barcelona’s Montjuïc Olympic Stadium. Inter Milan initially took a 2-0 lead with goals from Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries. However, Barcelona fought back, with Lamine Yamal scoring one of the goals and Ferran Torres adding another. Inter regained the lead with another goal from Dumfries, but a late own goal from Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer leveled the match at 3-3.
Who is Lamine Yamal and why is he important?
Lamine Yamal is a young football talent from Barcelona, aged just 17 years and 291 days old at the time of the first leg. He became the youngest player in history to score in a UEFA Champions League semi-final. His performance was outstanding, contributing a goal, an assist, and being one of Barcelona’s standout players.
How many goals has Ousmane Dembélé scored in 2025?
Ousmane Dembélé has scored 25 goals in 2025 across all competitions, making him the top scorer in Europe’s top five leagues in the calendar year. His form has been exceptional, especially in the Champions League, where he has contributed significantly to PSG’s attacking play.
What is the importance of away goals in the Champions League semi-finals?
In previous editions of the Champions League, the away goals rule played a significant role in determining the winner of a tie if the aggregate score was tied. Under this rule, the team with more goals scored away from home would advance. However, as of the 2021-22 season, the away goals rule has been abolished, and ties are now decided solely on the aggregate score, with extra time and penalty shootouts coming into play if needed.
Conclusion
The first legs of the Champions League semi-finals have delivered unforgettable moments, showcasing the best of European football. As the teams prepare for the decisive second legs, fans can look forward to more excitement, drama, and the crowning of the finalists who will compete for the ultimate prize in Munich.
