Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are set to clash in the 2025 UEFA Champions League semifinal, renewing a rare European rivalry. The Gunners have never lost in five previous competitive meetings with PSG, winning two and drawing three. As PSG still seeks their first win in this matchup, here’s a look back at every encounter leading up to the semifinal.
March 29, 1994 – Cup Winners’ Cup Stalemate in Paris
On March 29, 1994, Arsenal and PSG met for the first time in a competitive match: a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup semifinal first leg at Paris’s Parc des Princes. Arsenal striker Ian Wright put the visitors ahead, only for PSG’s David Ginola to equalize in the second half. The 1-1 stalemate left everything to play for in the return leg two weeks later.
April 12, 1994 – Campbell Sends Arsenal to the Final
On April 12, 1994, the second leg at Highbury decided which club would reach the final. Arsenal won 1-0 thanks to a goal by Kevin Campbell in the seventh minute. That strike secured a 2-1 aggregate win and sent Arsenal into the Cup Winners’ Cup final, which they won to claim their first European trophy.
September 13, 2016 – Stalemate at the Parc des Princes
It would be 22 years before Arsenal and PSG crossed paths again. On September 13, 2016, they met in the Champions League group stage in Paris. PSG’s Edinson Cavani scored in the first minute, but Alexis Sanchez struck in the second half to salvage a 1-1 draw for Arsenal. The match ended with both teams reduced to 10 men, as Olivier Giroud and Marco Verratti were sent off in stoppage time.
November 23, 2016 – Emirates Thriller Ends All Square
The return meeting on November 23, 2016, at London’s Emirates Stadium had the group’s top spot at stake. PSG’s Cavani gave the visitors an early lead, but Arsenal equalized on the stroke of halftime through Olivier Giroud’s penalty. Early in the second half, Arsenal went ahead 2-1 when Marco Verratti deflected the ball into his own net. PSG rallied and made it 2-2 thanks to Alex Iwobi’s own goal. Both clubs ended up level on points in the group, with Arsenal taking first place on goal difference.
October 1, 2024 – Arsenal Take Charge at the Emirates
Their most recent clash came earlier this season on October 1, 2024, in the Champions League group stage. Under the Emirates Stadium lights, Arsenal earned a confident 2-0 victory over PSG. Kai Havertz opened the scoring, and Bukayo Saka doubled the lead to seal the win. It was a statement performance by Mikel Arteta’s side, leaving PSG frustrated and still winless in this fixture.
Arsenal remain unbeaten against PSG heading into the 2025 semifinal. History favors Arsenal, but PSG will be determined to change the script in this high-stakes showdown for a spot in the Champions League final.
