The Parc des Princes will become the center of European football when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) takes on Arsenal in the second leg of the 2024/25 Champions League semi-finals, after a minimal 1-0 victory in the first leg. Before the match, former PSG star Neymar Jr. urged his former team: “Instead of me, bring the trophy to PSG.” In an interview with Canal +, he outlined a specific strategy to disable Arsenal’s two key players, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, and highlighted the weakness PSG must overcome to secure tickets to the final in Munich.

Neymar highlighted Saka, with his speed and technique, as Arsenal’s biggest threat on the right. He advised coach Luis Enrique to use Nuno Mendes to stay close, preventing Saka from receiving the ball in the danger zone. “Saka needs to be locked down early, to prevent him from having any rotational space,” Neymar said. For Declan Rice, the driving force in the midfield with an 88% first-half pass success rate, Neymar suggested PSG maintain continuous pressure from Vittinha and Joao Neves to cut off his coordination. According to Sofascore, Rice is Arsenal’s most prominent player in the first leg, but Neymar believes that close-quarters play will make him lose his effectiveness.

According to Neymar, PSG’s biggest weakness is their lack of confidence in defensive conversion. In the first half, Arsenal created numerous opportunities on the counterattack, especially when Mendes and Achraf Hakimi rose, revealing space. “PSG needs to play with more discipline, keeping the team tight when you lose the ball,” warned Neymar. The message on X from @psgreport also shows that PSG’s midfield is often stretched, allowing Martin Ødegaard to exploit. Neymar suggested improving Warren Zaïre-Emery’s role to shore up the midfield, and let Ousmane Dembélé and new recruit William Saliba put pressure on Arsenal’s defense.

The first leg at Emirates saw PSG win 1-0 thanks to Dembélé’s opening goal, capitalizing on Arsenal’s defensive lapses. However, PSG almost paid the price when Goncalo Ramos finished off the crossbar in the 85th minute, according to Le Parisien. The second leg promised to be tense, especially as PSG welcomed the good news with Dembélé and Lee Kang-in recovering from injuries, according to L’Equipe. Arsenal, despite missing Jurrien Timber and losing form after a 1-2 defeat to Bournemouth, are still dangerous with the return of Thomas Partey, who can support Riz in midfield.

PSG fans, like @Parisienvn on X, see Neymar’s advice as a great source of inspiration, while @GoonerDaily believes Arsenal will turn the flag towards fighting spirit. Thierry Henry, on CBS Sports, said PSG must take advantage of the pitch and the enthusiastic applause at the Parc des Princes. With a clear strategy from Neymar, PSG faces historic opportunities to reach the final. Tonight’s match will determine whether PSG can achieve their Champions League dream or Arsenal will create a miracle beforehand.