Alexis Sanchez’ 78th minute equalizer gave visiting Arsenal a point from its UEFA Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
David Ospina’s sensational second half is perhaps the only reason there wasn’t a massive number under the hosts’ name.
Olivier Giroud was very good as a sub, right until he picked up straight red in stoppage time. Marco Verratti of PSG was dismissed as well.
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Paris Saint-Germain used a very early goal from Edinson Cavani to take the lead, but watched as Arsenal’s backstop thwarted many chances to insure the lead in both teams’ UEFA Champions League openers.
Arsenal next hosts Basel two weeks from Wednesday, while PSG is off to Bulgaria to face Ludogorets on the same day.
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Arsenal went behind in less than a minute, as Cavani turned Serge Aurier’s cross into the goal with his noggin. PSG led 1-0 early, and Cavani missed two other golden chances in the first half to keep Arsenal in it.
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0 - Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target in the first half versus PSG. Flat.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 13, 2016
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Arsenal started the second half with plenty of control and possession, but PSG came closest to scoring.
Angel Di Maria should’ve doubled PSG’s lead in the second half, but took a heavy touch on a ball played over Hector Bellerin’s head.
David Ospina was the hero when he came sliding out to stop an Aurier break down the right. Moments later, Ospina stopped Cavani 1v1 to keep Arsenal’s hopes alive.
Those hopes were turned into reality when Alphonse Aréola parried Alex Iwobi’s shot into the path of Alexis Sanchez, who made it 1-1 in the 78th minute.
Aréola would later deny Iwobi with a low lunging parry after Sanchez tried to return the favor with 8 minutes to play.
