Paris Saint-Germain beat Arsenal 0-1 (video highlights Arsenal/PSG) on Tuesday at Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 semi-finals (return on May 7). After the victory, Paris left-back Nuno Mendes (22) spoke to FIFA.com.
Nuno Mendes “We’ll have to try and win it to go through to the final.”
An important victory?
It’s a big step, we’re starting with a one-goal lead. It’s good for us, it gives us confidence. We’ve still got another game to go. We’ll have to try and win it to go through to the final.
Some fans thought it was all over for PSG after the last few games, with their poor form. Were you sure you could take things up a notch tonight?
We know what we have to do, we know the qualities of our players and our coach. We’re proud of ourselves, we’re together, we’re like a family on and off the pitch. I think that’s the key.
A PSG that remains very calm after the victory?
It’s a great victory, but we know there’s still another game to play in Paris. We need to stay focused. We also have a match before the return leg. We need to stay humble and go for the win.
Nuno Mendes “He’ll recover and I think he’ll be fine when he comes back.”
The most difficult win of the season?
They’re all difficult in the Champions League. The hardest thing is to keep the lead in the return leg. We’re going to do that, but we have to try and win the other game.
How’s Dembélé doing?
He’s fine. I think it’s a bit of fatigue, there are so many games. He’ll recover and I think he’ll be fine for the return leg.
