PSG Edge Arsenal with Early Dembele Strike in Champions League Semi-Final First Leg

LONDON — Paris St Germain took a crucial step toward the Champions League final on Tuesday, earning a 1-0 away win over Arsenal thanks to an early goal from Ousmane Dembele in the semi-final first leg.

Dembele struck in the fourth minute, finishing off the post to cap a dominant start from the French side. PSG controlled the early proceedings, with Arsenal struggling to settle into their first semi-final since 2009.

The Gunners improved after the break and thought they had equalized through Mikel Merino, but the goal was disallowed. PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma kept his side ahead with several key saves, while Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos missed golden chances to extend the lead.

PSG will host the second leg in Paris next Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the final in Munich to face either Inter Milan or Barcelona.