Paris Saint-Germain delivered a powerful statement last night by defeating Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. While the result is a major step toward the final, what truly stood out was the contrast between the passionate PSG supporters and the lackluster atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite Mikel Arteta’s emotional call for fans to create a fiery environment, the London crowd failed to rise to the occasion. In stark contrast, the PSG fans brought energy and noise, dominating the stands well before kickoff. Videos circulating online showed them chanting and jumping in unison nearly an hour before the match began.
British media were quick to criticize the Arsenal support. The Telegraph called the home team’s tifo “uninspired”, while Wayne Rooney expressed disappointment at the crowd’s lack of impact. “They were brilliant against Madrid, but tonight they gave the players nothing”, he said. Arteta’s ambition to turn the Emirates into a fortress backfired, with PSG calmly taking control of the match.
On the pitch, Luis Enrique’s men were tactically superior. A fourth-minute goal from Ousmane Dembélé set the tone, and PSG managed the game with maturity and composure. Arsenal struggled to respond, both technically and emotionally.
With this result, PSG takes a big step toward the final. The return leg at Parc des Princes promises to be electric—and this time, the home crowd will surely deliver.
