The UEFA Champions League semifinals commence this Tuesday at Emirates Stadium in North London, where Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain with a coveted spot in next month`s final at stake.
For Arsenal, Tuesday`s match marks their first appearance in the Champions League semifinals in 16 years. In contrast, PSG reaches this stage for an impressive fourth time in six seasons, though they are still searching for their first title in this period. This game is also a rematch of a group stage encounter earlier in the season, which Arsenal won 2-0 in North London. However, six months and a winter transfer window have brought significant changes for the French champions. PSG is now considered the second favorite to win the Champions League, suggesting a tightly contested tie is expected for both sides.
Arsenal enters this match fresh off a dominant quarterfinal victory over Real Madrid, highlighted by two exceptional set-piece goals from Declan Rice. This win represents a new high point in their long-term development under manager Mikel Arteta. The two clubs are currently at different stages: PSG is pursuing a potential treble, while this season for them is largely focused on implementing Luis Enrique`s new tactical system. For Arsenal, securing a trophy might be necessary to prove continued progress and avoid the perception of having plateaued in Arteta`s fifth season.
Here`s the essential information before tuning in:
Match Details and Betting Odds
- Date: Tuesday, April 29 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+ (Star Cam: CBS Sports Golazo Network)
- Odds: Arsenal +105; Draw +250; Paris Saint-Germain +250
Previous Encounter
In their last meeting in October, Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. That performance showcased the Gunners` efficiency, with five out of six shots on target. They also had a higher expected goals (xG) tally (0.71) compared to PSG`s 0.4 from 10 shots. It was a subdued performance from Luis Enrique`s side, reflecting challenges early in the season. However, the mood and form of PSG have significantly changed since then.
Arsenal`s Perspective
UEFA Champions League semifinals are rare for Arsenal, especially against experienced opponents like PSG. However, the Gunners feel a new level of confidence after their impressive quarterfinal win against Real Madrid. Manager Mikel Arteta spoke on Monday about the team`s shift in mindset, believing they can now match their talent with the conviction to win.
He emphasized visualizing success and feeling that conviction within the team as key to achieving their goal. Arteta stated, “It`s just visualising it. To be convinced. You go on that pitch thinking we`re going to beat them, we`re going to be better than them tomorrow and do everything we understand is the right thing to win the game. Go there with a conviction. Feel the conviction around, that is key. To create that energy, we are going to be much closer to winning the game. That`s what I feel in the team. That we are really looking forward to playing the game tomorrow and we`re going to give our very best to win the game.”
Paris Saint-Germain`s Perspective
Confidence is high within the PSG camp, particularly after reaching the Champions League semifinals. Their recent record against English teams, including wins over Manchester City (group stage), Liverpool, and Aston Villa (knockouts), has boosted morale. Luis Enrique addressed this record on Monday.
He commented on the strength of the Premier League: “In terms of confidence, it is very positive for us. We beat Liverpool and they won the Premier League this year. But that doesn`t mean anything because every single match is different. Everybody speaks about the Premier League as being the best league in the world. I don`t know if I agree or not. But we are full of confidence and looking forward to playing in the semifinal.”
However, Enrique acknowledged that the team facing Arsenal now is significantly different from the one that lost in North London earlier in the season. He stated, “The game that you are talking about took place on 1 October so that was seven or eight months ago. There are huge differences between now and then. I have reviewed the game, and seen how far our game has come and we are better now. We are a more complete team.”
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal:
- David Raya
- Jurien Timber, Wlliam Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly
- Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino
- Bakayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Paris Saint-Germain:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
- Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz
- Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Key Player
Declan Rice, Arsenal: While Arsenal scored five goals against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, their advancement was built on a rock-solid defense. Declan Rice was pivotal in disrupting Real Madrid`s attacks throughout both legs. His two goals in the first leg were a welcome bonus, but his primary role is providing defensive stability in midfield. Facing PSG`s unique press and attacking threat, Rice`s performance will be crucial in shielding Arsenal`s back line and potentially helping them reach their first Champions League final in nearly 20 years.
Key Narrative
Paris Saint-Germain on Treble Watch: Paris Saint-Germain are one of two teams in contention for a potential treble this season (the other being Barcelona). They have already clinched the Ligue 1 title and are strong favorites for the Coupe de France. However, their performance in the Champions League will ultimately define their season and set the benchmark for this revitalized, youth-focused team under Luis Enrique. Regardless of the outcome, they have been one of Europe`s most entertaining sides this season. The key question remains how far this version of PSG can go, not just in this semifinal but in the coming seasons.
Match Prediction
According to Thierry Henry, this PSG team presents a tougher challenge than Real Madrid due to Luis Enrique`s tactical approach, which emphasizes pressing and strong attacking output. Even Arsenal`s talented defense will face a difficult test, which may slightly favor the visitors.
Expect a competitive first leg, but one where PSG could potentially gain a slight advantage heading into the return leg in Paris. Our Pick: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2
Semifinals Broadcast Schedule (Tuesday, April 29)
| Event | Time (U.S./Eastern) | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 2 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain | 3 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Star Cam | 3 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | 6 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| Scoreline | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
