UCL semi: Dembele fires PSG to first-leg win over Arsenal

By Olaolu Joseph

Ousmane Dembele’s fourth-minute strike gave Paris Saint-Germain a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Emirates.

The French side held firm after the early goal, taking a slim advantage into next Wednesday’s return leg in Paris.

Dembele stunned the Gunners by sweeping home Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s low cross just minutes into the match.

PSG dominated the opening exchanges, with Arsenal keeper David Raya forced into a superb save from teenager Désiré Doué.

The hosts gradually grew into the game but were denied by the heroics of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made crucial saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal thought they had equalised through Mikel Merino’s header from a Declan Rice free-kick, but it was ruled offside.

PSG could have extended their lead late on, but Bradley Barcola shot wide and Gonçalo Ramos hit the bar.

Barcelona face Inter Milan in the other semi-final first leg.