Arteta Rallies Arsenal For Champions League Comeback Against Psg

Mikel Arteta has challenged his Arsenal side to stage a 'special" comeback in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday's first-leg clash.

Ousmane Dembele struck early for PSG, scoring in the fourth minute at the Emirates Stadium, and despite several chances for both sides, the scoreline remained unchanged in a nervy and tightly contested encounter.

PSG missed late opportunities to widen their advantage, with Goncalo Ramos hitting the crossbar and Bradley Barcola firing off target from close range. Arsenal also tested PSG's defence, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Unlike their previous knockout ties, where Arsenal secured commanding first-leg wins over PSV Eindhoven and Real Madrid, they will head to the Parc des Princes on May 7 needing a memorable away performance to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.

Arteta remains optimistic, insisting that Arsenal are still very much in the contest. "We're only halfway through. Just like after we beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg, my message is the same - we have to go and win the game. And we can," he said.