'It's only half-time': Raya says Arsenal can overturn PSG deficit

BeSoccer 2 months ago 1.3k
Raya congradulated Donnarumma on his performance against Arsenal. Screenshot/Movistar+

David Raya insists Arsenal can still reach the Champions League final despite suffering a 1-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final first leg on Tuesday.

Arsenal will head to Paris as underdogs after Ousmane Dembele grabbed PSG's winner in the fourth minute at the Emirates Stadium. But PSG's first-half dominance failed to produce more goals, while Goncalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola wasted two late chances to increase their lead.

The French champions also needed Gianluigi Donnarumma to preserve their lead with fine saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Arsenal goalkeeper Raya took heart from their battling performance as he looked ahead to the second leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7.

"They started quick with a goal, and they dominated the first 15 or 20 minutes, but after that, we dominated most of the game, created the chances. Donnarumma made some good saves," Raya said. "It's only half-time, we take positives.

"They are a top team, but credit to the players for the effort. We could have won the game. We know they keep possession a lot and are good at that. They had that chance and put it in the net. We had chances to score, but we didn't manage to."

Arsenal failed to score in a home Champions League game for the first time since a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the last 16 in 2016. It was also their first defeat at the Emirates in 18 European matches.

But the north Londoners will have Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey back from suspension for the second leg, which will allow Declan Rice to play a more attacking role.

Raya is convinced Arsenal, who knocked out holders Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, can defy the odds again as they bid to reach their second Champions League final and win the tournament for the first time.

"We showed from the 25th minute of the first half that we can win against any team. We have shown in the season we can win away games too, so we'll go to Paris next week trying to win," he said.

"We have to approach the game the same way. We played well, we put them on the back foot and hurt them. Let's go next week in Paris."

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