‘It’s only half-time’: Raya backs Arsenal to turn around PSG loss
Ousmane Dembélé struck early for PSG, scoring in just the fourth minute at the Emirates Stadium, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side with an uphill task ahead of the return leg in Paris on 7 may.
David Raya remains confident that Arsenal can still reach the Champions League final despite falling to a 1-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final clash on 29 april.
Ousmane Dembélé struck early for PSG, scoring in just the fourth minute at the Emirates Stadium, leaving Mikel Arteta's side with an uphill task ahead of the return leg in Paris on 7 may.
The French champions dominated the opening exchanges and might have extended their lead, but Gonçalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola squandered late opportunities, while Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into key saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to preserve PSG's slender advantage.
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Despite the setback, Arsenal goalkeeper Raya believes the tie remains finely balanced.
"They started quick with a goal and dominated the first 15 or 20 minutes, but after that we controlled most of the game and created the chances," said the Spaniard. "Donnarumma made some good saves. It's only half-time — we take positives."
Raya acknowledged PSG's strength in possession but felt Arsenal matched them for long stretches. "They had that chance and put it in the net. We had chances too but didn't manage to score. Credit to the players for the effort — we could have won the game."
The result marked Arsenal's first home Champions League match without scoring since their 2-0 loss to Barcelona in the round of 16 back in 2016. It also ended an 18-match unbeaten run at the Emirates in European competition.
Arteta will be boosted in the second leg by the return of Thomas Partey from suspension, which could allow Declan Rice to push forward into a more advanced midfield role.
Having already eliminated reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, Arsenal will need another memorable away performance to reach their second-ever Champions League final.
"We've shown from the 25th minute that we can compete with any team," said Raya. "We've proved all season we can win away games. We'll go to Paris next week with that belief, looking to win."
"We have to approach the game the same way. We put them on the back foot and hurt them. Let's go again in Paris."
