PSG Prepares for Champions League Clash Against Arsenal

STUTTGART, GERMANY – April 29, 2025: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to take on Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. The match marks a crucial moment for the team and its captain, Marquinhos.

Marquinhos, who has been with PSG since 2013, has witnessed the club’s rise in French football but has yet to secure a Champions League trophy. This season, PSG has advanced to the semi-finals after defeating teams like Liverpool and Aston Villa.

“This may be my final chance to win this highly coveted trophy,” Marquinhos said as anticipation builds for the match. The Brazilian defender faced intense interest from Saudi Arabia last summer, but opted to stay. However, reports suggest PSG is now more open to a potential departure in the upcoming summer transfer window.

João Neves, a young player who joined PSG from SL Benfica, is also preparing for the big game. Neves has impressed this season, contributing five goals and nine assists in 46 matches. He highlighted the importance of teamwork, saying, “What we want to do is to defend with the ball in their half of the pitch.”

The match will be a significant test for Neves, who was part of the squad that faced Arsenal in October, where PSG suffered a 2-0 defeat. “It will be a very good football game. They have their strengths, we have our strengths,” he added.

PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, and sporting director, Luís Campos, were spotted at the Emirates Stadium during pre-match preparations. They interacted with fans and were encouraged to lead the team to victory against Arsenal. Opta’s analysis places Arsenal as the favorite to win the tie, adding to the pressure on PSG as they aim for their first Champions League title.