On Wednesday night, the Arsenal overcame Real Madrid, ensuring his qualification for the semifinals of the Champions League and joining Paris Saint-Germain. This English victory, although celebrated, casts a shadow on the Parisian enthusiasm, especially since the team’s recent performance against Aston Villa did not allow a complete joy in this second consecutive qualifying for the next round. Attention is now drawn to the next confrontation against the Arsenal, generating both hope and apprehension among Parisian supporters.

Despite an impressive season and recent successes against English clubs, a disturbing statistic tempers Paris Saint-Germain’s ambitions. Indeed, out of seven matches against French clubs in the final phase of European competitions, the Arsenal recorded six wins, a particularly unfavourable result for Ligue 1. This historic domination of the Gunners against the French teams has discouraged many contenders, including Lens, Nantes, Auxerre and even Paris, all of whom have been defeated.

Only Monaco managed to break this supremacy in the 2014-2015 season, qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Champions League thanks to a double victory against the Londoners. This feat offers a glimmer of hope for the Parisians, who are fuelling the ambition to compete in their second final of the Champions League this year, although the climb towards this goal promises to be stifled against a formidable and historic opponent.