Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal have crossed paths multiple times in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), creating a fascinating rivalry marked by dramatic results and high-stakes encounters.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal: Contrasting Fortunes in the Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal have faced off four times in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), with their meetings reflecting a tale of contrasting fortunes. Initially, PSG struggled significantly against the Gunners, enduring five consecutive defeats — the longest winless streak they had ever suffered against a single European opponent. This streak became a source of frustration for the Parisians, as they failed to secure a single victory despite multiple attempts.
However, the narrative changed dramatically during the 2024–25 Champions League semifinals held at the Emirates Stadium. In this crucial encounter,finally managed to break their long-standing curse against Arsenal, securing a 1-0 victory. The win came courtesy of an early goal from Ousmane Dembele, who capitalized on a well-executed attack to put his team ahead. This landmark victory was not just significant in terms of breaking the losing streak but also served as a form of revenge. Earlier in the same season, during the league phase, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal had defeated PSG 2-0, showcasing their dominance. The semifinal win, therefore, marked a moment of redemption for the French giants.
While PSG’s recent triumph brought a sense of relief, it is Arsenal who have historically enjoyed more success in this matchup. One of their most remarkable victories came in a 2018 preseason game when they thrashed PSG 5-1. The win was particularly notable as it was orchestrated by Unai Emery, a former coach, who guided Arsenal to a resounding victory over his old team.
Aside from these notable wins, three other meetings between the two clubs have ended in draws. The most memorable of these was a dramatic 2-2 stalemate during the 2016–17 UCL group stage. The match, played at the Emirates Stadium, was marked by two own goals, leaving both sides to share the spoils.
Arsenal has historically held an edge over Paris Saint-Germain, especially in their early encounters, including a win in the 1994 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. However, their recent meetings in the Champions League have highlighted a shift. PSG’s victory over Arsenal in the 2024–25 semifinal was a statement of their growing strength, signaling a turning point in this European rivalry.
With one win each and two draws in their four Champions League encounters, the head-to-head record remains closely contested. This evolving rivalry reflects the unpredictable and fiercely competitive nature of European football, where past dominance can quickly be challenged.
Although Arsenal have not won every clash, their overall record against is impressive, either securing wins or valuable draws. Arsenal will look to draw inspiration from their balanced history against as they head to Paris for the second leg of the 2024–25 Champions League semifinal. Trailing 1-0, the Gunners aim to showcase their resilience and secure a comeback victory.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal: Last Five Meetings
| Date | Home Team | Away Team | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 29, 2025 | Arsenal | PSG | 0-1 | Champions League |
| Oct 01, 2024 | Arsenal | PSG | 2-0 | Champions League |
| Nov 23, 2016 | Arsenal | PSG | 2-2 | Champions League |
| Sep 13, 2016 | PSG | Arsenal | 1-1 | Champions League |
| Apr 12, 1994 | Arsenal | PSG | 1-0 | UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup |
Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal: All-time head-to-head record
| Competition | Matches | PSG Wins | Draws | Arsenal Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champions League | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
