Arsene Wenger rates Arsenal’s chances of beating PSG to Champions League final spot

Arsene Wenger has praised Arsenal’s defensive solidity and is confident the club have what it takes to overcome Paris Saint-Germain and reach this season’s Champions League final.

Arsenal saw off Real Madrid, the holders and 15-time European winners, in some style across a one-sided quarter-final tie to book their spot in the last four for the first time in 16 years.

An inspired Declan Rice sent the Gunners on their way with two breathtaking free-kicks before Mikel Merino increased the deficit in a 3-0 victory in north London.

Mikel Arteta’s men picked up where they left off at the Bernabeu, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli netting either side of Vinicius Junior’s 67th-minute strike to spark jubilant scenes amongst Arsenal’s travelling support in the Spanish capital.

Luis Enrique has received widespread praise for overseeing a shift in ethos at PSG since taking over the reins in 2023, with the French champions within touching distance of a trophy which has so far eluded them, much like Arsenal.

The Ligue 1 giants survived an almighty scare against Aston Villa to advance through, though, and head into tonight’s Emirates showdown after just one win in four in all competitions.

‘I believe that Arsenal have the potential to do it [beat PSG],’ former Arsenal manager Wenger told Sky Sports.

‘But of course, once you go to the semi-final, Paris Saint-Germain is a very good team as well.

‘So everybody is excited about it so let’s see and hope.’

Wenger added: ‘The teams that go through to the semi-final, they have some quality.

‘Then, it’s down to the form of the day, to the main players who can show their efficiency on the day.’

Wenger believes it is vitally important Arsenal manage to keep ten men on the field to give themselves the best possible chances of reaching their second ever Champions League final.

‘[It is important] that you have no sending off or stupid reactions at some stage,’ the iconic Frenchman continued.

‘Overall, I believe Arsenal is very solid defensively and, over the two legs that will have a big importance.’

Freddie Ljungberg was on the losing side as Barcelona came from behind to beat Wenger’s team to the title in a memorable final in 2006.

This year, the ex-Arsenal and Sweden winger is hopeful the Gunners can knock out PSG and go all the way.

‘I think they have a very, very good chance,’ Ljungberg told Sky Sports.

‘There are so many players that can hurt PSG, but obviously you have the set-pieces, where I think they can or will hurt them.

‘Then you have Declan Rice who, of course, would have got confidence from his two free-kicks, but when he wins the ball in transition he can drive forward and get a player like Bukayo Saka into the game.

‘Obviously, he [Saka] is lethal and can win any game.’

Asked if Arsenal can finally lift the trophy, Ljungberg replied: ‘I think so, 100 per cent, they have a great side.

‘I think everybody was a bit disappointed about the league, but this is their chance and I think they can do it.’

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