In the pulsating atmosphere of the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s dreams of reaching their second-ever Champions League final were dealt a blow in the first leg of their semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain on April 29, 2025. A 1-0 defeat, courtesy of an early Ousmane Dembele strike, left the Gunners with a mountain to climb in the return leg at Parc des Princes. Adding to their woes, the absence of key midfielder Thomas Partey due to a suspension and yellow card concerns for star winger Bukayo Saka sparked anxiety among fans. UEFA’s intricate suspension rules, which have caused confusion throughout the tournament, played a pivotal role, offering both relief and challenges as Arsenal prepare for the decisive second leg.
The match was a tale of missed opportunities and contentious moments. PSG struck in the third minute when Dembele exploited a defensive lapse, firing past David Raya to silence the north London crowd. Arsenal responded with vigor, with Saka and Gabriel Martinelli testing PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who produced a string of stunning saves. However, referee Slavko Vincic’s decisions, including a controversial yellow card to Saka for dissent and an early booking for Leandro Trossard, fueled frustration. “It’s clear the stop-start nature of the game disrupted our rhythm,” a pundit observed, echoing the sentiments of fans who booed at full-time. The absence of Partey, suspended after a third yellow card in the quarter-final against Real Madrid, was keenly felt, with Mikel Arteta admitting, “We missed his presence in midfield.”
UEFA’s suspension rules, outlined in Article 52.04, have been a source of both clarity and confusion. The rule states that “all yellow cards expire on completion of the quarter-finals,” meaning players like Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Martinelli, and David Raya, who were on two bookings, avoided suspension risks for the semi-finals. “This is not something to worry Arsenal,” an analyst noted, explaining that Saka’s yellow card against PSG, his first of the tournament, poses no immediate threat. Unlike Partey’s case, where a third yellow before the quarter-final conclusion triggered a ban, suspensions now require a red card or two yellows in a single match. This reset benefited PSG as well, with Fabian Ruiz, Marquinhos, and Nuno Mendes cleared to play despite earlier disciplinary concerns. “It’s a relief for both sides, but Partey’s absence is a blow,” Arteta reflected, highlighting the tactical adjustments needed.
Arsenal’s injury crisis compounded their challenges. With Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori sidelined, and doubts over Mikel Merino and Ben White, Arteta’s squad depth was stretched thin. Saka, fresh from a minor injury scare against Ipswich Town, started and delivered a lively performance, though his booking raised fleeting fears. “Bukayo didn’t score but contributed to our attacking threat,” Arteta praised, dispelling concerns about his fitness. The return of Merino, who replaced Partey, and Saka’s inclusion were bright spots, but the Gunners’ failure to convert chances—Martinelli and Trossard rued missed opportunities—left them trailing. “We’ve been incredibly poor in the final third,” a fan lamented on social media, capturing the urgency for a turnaround in Paris.
The second leg on May 7 looms as a defining moment. Partey’s return will bolster Arsenal’s midfield, and the yellow card reset ensures no players are walking a tightrope. PSG, meanwhile, face concerns over Willian Pacho’s illness and Dembele’s second-half substitution, though Luis Enrique’s side remains formidable. “PSG’s home advantage could tip the scales,” warned former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, recalling their 2-0 league phase win over PSG in October, where Saka and Havertz scored. Saka’s earlier prediction of reaching the final, made after that victory, still burns bright. “It would be something very special,” he had said, a sentiment Arteta echoed: “This feels like the biggest game of my life.”
As Arsenal regroup, the focus is on overturning the deficit. Arteta’s tactical tweaks, including Trossard’s role up top and Merino’s midfield dynamism, will be crucial. “We have nothing to lose next week,” Arteta declared, rallying his squad for the challenge. The Emirates faithful, buoyed by new tifos and a passionate atmosphere, remain hopeful. With UEFA’s rules offering a clean slate for suspensions—bar any red-card drama—Arsenal’s fate rests on their ability to harness Saka’s flair, Rice’s tenacity, and a collective resolve to defy the odds in Paris. The road to Munich’s final is fraught, but for Arsenal, it’s a chance to write a new chapter in their European saga.[](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/arsenal-champions-league-suspension-update-31540050)[](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/arsenal-handed-quadruple-suspension-boost-31533279)[](https://www.arsenal.com/news/team-news-saka-and-merino-start-against-psg)