The UEFA Champions League will have a Spanish coach in the 2025 final. Luis Enrique, with his revitalized Paris Saint-Germain, and Mikel Arteta, guiding a strong and surprising Arsenal, will meet on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of a historic semifinal.

Neither in Paris nor in North London have they ever lifted the European Cup. The elusive trophy, for which Qatar invested heavily in PSG and which the Gunners have long coveted, is now closer than ever. Arsenal, who have only played one final—losing to Barcelona in 2006—aims to end the Stamford Bridge banner claiming "The only London club with a Champions League," fueled by the momentum of eliminating the defending champions, Real Madrid.

Arteta Carries Psychological Edge

Mikel Arteta arrives with a slight psychological advantage, having defeated PSG earlier this season in October, although that version of Luis Enrique's team was still a work in progress. Now, with the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doué, the Parisian side boasts one of Europe’s most exciting attacking units.

PSG has its full squad available and will also enjoy the benefit of closing the tie at home at the Parc des Princes. Meanwhile, Arsenal, who have officially surrendered the Premier League title to Liverpool, arrives fresher after a weekend without matches.

Arsenal Forced to Adjust

For the first leg, Arteta will have to tweak his setup. Thomas Partey is suspended, and Jorginho is out for the remainder of the season with a rib injury. As a solution, Mikel Merino will drop into midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. Up front, Leandro Trossard will act as a false nine.

In defense, the solid performances of Jakub Kiwior following Gabriel Magalhães' injury have earned him a starting spot next to William Saliba, with Jurrien Timber at right back and Ben White as an offensive option off the bench if needed.

Probable Lineups

Arsenal: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Kelly; Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino; Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard.

Paris Saint-Germain: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, Rúben Neves; Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia).

Venue: Emirates Stadium (London).

Kick-off: 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT.