PSG felt Arsenal players thought they were 'untouchable' after beating Real Madrid ahead of Champions League semi-final first leg tie

PSG secured a narrow yet crucial 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday evening. Ousmane Dembele was the match-winner on the night, capitalizing on a moment of opportunity to give the French giants the edge heading into the return fixture. It was a match of high stakes and tighter margins, where PSG’s discipline and tactical awareness eventually overcame an Arsenal side that appeared to arrive brimming with confidence—perhaps, according to some, a little too much of it.

In the lead-up to the match, Arsenal’s impressive elimination of Real Madrid had given them serious momentum and belief. Mikel Arteta’s team arrived with high expectations, believing they had what it took to topple Luis Enrique’s PSG. However, according to reports from French outlet L'Équipe, Dembele & Co. picked up on a certain attitude from the Gunners that didn’t sit well with them as they felt their English counterparts acted as if they were “untouchable” following their victory over the Spanish giants. In their view, Arsenal entered the match with an air of invincibility, as though the semi-final was theirs to dominate.

The perceived sense of superiority reportedly served as additional motivation in the PSG camp, who had not forgotten their 2-0 defeat to the Gunners earlier in the competition’s group phase. While PSG didn’t celebrate with wild abandon after the final whistle, there was an undeniable sense of satisfaction. There was a sense within the PSG team that they had brought Arsenal "back down to earth" with the result, reaffirming their own credentials and casting doubt on the Gunners’ perceived dominance.

With the second leg set for May 7 at the Parc des Princes, both sides will need to summon their very best. Whether Arsenal can respond or PSG will capitalize on their psychological and tactical edge remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the second leg in Paris promises fireworks.