2024/25 UEFA Champions League semi-final first legs provided drama, early strikes and flashes of brilliance on 29 and 30 April as Arsenal welcomed Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona took on Inter Milan. PSG 1-0 Arsenal (Emirates), Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan (Estadi Olímpic) PSG triumphed 1-0 against Arsenal at the Emirates, while Barcelona and Inter Milan served up a six-goal thriller at the Estadi Olímpic. Ahead of the second legs here are five things we learned from the first legs:
Early Goals Set the Tone
The importance of early goals was on display in both games. Ousmane Dembele’s fourth-minute curler left Arsenal fans reflecting on their title-chasing squad of last year as PSG took control and sat deep. At the same time, Marcus Thuram scored inside the first minute for Inter Milan – the fastest semi-final goal ever in the Champions League. These early goals would send the home sides out to chase the game, changing system on the field and leaving back lines with spaces to exploit.
Goalkeeper Saving the Day
Keepers can be match-winners in tight knockout matches. Gianluigi Donnarumma was also significant for PSG, making a number of high-level saves, including a great stop on Leandro Trossard’s shot from in close. The keeper was most definitely under the cosh and although not as celebrated as the goal scorers, was as equally significant in their team’s endeavours to keep in step.
Youth Rising on the Big Stage
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal showed once more that age is not a barrier to impact. The 17-year-old celebrated his 100th game at club level by opening the scoring from distance in wonderful style, updating his status as one of the most exciting young talents on the continent. His poise and invention in the cauldron proved that young players can be difference makers on the biggest occasions.
Home Advantage did not count for much
Arsenal’s narrow home loss backed up a trend: domestic backing doesn’t always make the difference. The atmosphere at the Emirates was its usual vocal self but PSG’s early goal and later defensive resolve tempered the mood. In the same way, Barça’s draw is not a great result for them going into the return. It was the quality and execution, not the location.
Tactical Flexibility was Key
Managers were left to juggle on the fly. Mikel Arteta made adjustments at the interval that improved Arsenal’s second half, but not with a goal. In Barcelona, Hansi Flick and Simone Inzaghi were able to manage momentum shifts as Inter went 2-0 up in the first 20 minutes, with Barcelona responding with 2 quick goals of their own.
The second legs are yet to come; expect plenty more fireworks, with Arsenal seeking a comeback in Paris, and Barcelona and Inter headed for an exciting conclusion in Milan.
