Arsène Wenger has thrown his weight behind Arsenal’s bid to reach the UEFA Champions League final, but insists their dream could collapse if they lose discipline against Paris Saint-Germain. The former Arsenal manager believes Mikel Arteta’s side is tactically equipped to overcome PSG, but cautioned that mental mistakes and red cards could be costly.
The first leg of the semi-final showdown takes place tonight, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal will attempt to establish dominance before the return leg in Paris. Wenger, who led Arsenal to their only Champions League final in 2006, told Sky Sports that the current squad is defensively solid and well-drilled—but must stay composed.
“You cannot afford a sending-off or a stupid reaction at this level,” he warned. “Arsenal are very strong at the back, but across two legs, one moment of madness can undo all your hard work. That’s why discipline is everything.”
The Gunners have been one of the best defensive sides in the 2024/25 Champions League campaign, conceding just seven goals in 10 matches. Their clean sheet away to Bayern Munich in the quarter-final second leg proved decisive, with Declan Rice and William Saliba forming the backbone of a tight defensive unit.
Wenger acknowledged the attacking threat posed by PSG, especially with Kylian Mbappé leading the line in what could be his final season in Paris. He urged Arsenal to stay compact, control transitions, and avoid reckless fouls around the box. “PSG thrive on chaos—don’t give them that,” he said.
Arsenal’s painful memory of the 2006 final loss to Barcelona still lingers. On that night in Paris, Jens Lehmann was sent off in the 18th minute, a moment Wenger referenced as a key lesson. Despite taking the lead, Arsenal lost 2-1—an experience Wenger believes should still shape the club’s approach to high-stakes games.
With the Premier League title race still ongoing and the Emirates crowd roaring with belief, Arsenal have the form and momentum. But as Wenger concluded, “It’s not just about ability now. It’s about nerve, unity, and staying calm under fire. If they do that, the final is within reach.”
