MUNICH — Paris Saint-Germain stands on the verge of greatness, a status usually reserved for teams with a history of victory. They will face a challenge from Arsenal in next month’s Champions League final in Budapest, Hungary, although in the Emirates, belief in their chances may be lacking.
After an exhilarating semifinal first leg at the Parc des Princes last week, where Luis Enrique’s squad triumphed 5-4 over Bayern Munich, the reigning European champions secured their place in the final on Wednesday. They managed a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena, finishing with a 6-5 aggregate score.
However, don’t be misled by the score; Bayern was only able to level the match thanks to a stoppage time goal from Harry Kane. After an early goal from Ousmane Dembélé, courtesy of a brilliant run by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG effectively dominated the match and could have scored five goals again, reminiscent of their last outing at the Allianz Arena during last season’s Champions League final.
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The only thing holding PSG back from a more decisive victory was their finishing—indeed, they missed several opportunities that could have led to a humiliating defeat for Bayern. While the Bundesliga champions had their moments, many of which were squandered by Jamal Musiala, there was never a real threat that PSG, bolstered by captain Marquinhos, would repeat their defensive errors from the first leg.
Statistics may show an even contest, with Bayern managing 18 shots to PSG’s 15, but the numbers often fail to capture the full story. Bayern’s opportunities were limited to desperate efforts and sporadic open chances, while every PSG attack seemed capable of slicing through the home side’s defense. They exhibited a predatory instinct akin to a cat playing with a mouse, knowing they could end the encounter at their convenience—something that should alarm Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the May 30 final.
PSG currently outclasses every other club in the world. This semifinal was seen as the real final due to Bayern’s strong performance leading up to this stage, yet Enrique’s team passed through the second leg without feeling much peril. They resemble a modern-day dream team, reminiscent of Barcelona‘s iconic lineup featuring Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta. PSG possesses the capability to dismantle opponents, to skillfully pass them into submission, and to defend effectively—though that wasn’t evident in the first leg.
No player has recorded more goal involvements in Champions League knockout rounds than Dembélé (16) since the previous season, while Kvaratskhelia closely follows with 15. The Georgia winger, who arguably is the best player not participating in this summer’s World Cup, is also the first to either score or assist in seven consecutive knockout stages in the same season. Only Kylian Mbappé shares an equal number of goal involvements (16) in the competition this season.
For Arsenal, finding a way to neutralize Kvaratskhelia in Budapest is essential, as he is central to Enrique’s squad. Nonetheless, players like Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola also pose significant threats.
The Gunners have strength in midfield, but Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, and Martin Ødegaard could find themselves chasing after shadows against Fabián Ruiz, João Neves, and Vitinha.
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Nicol: Arsenal Must Avoid Sitting Back vs. PSG
Steve Nicol discusses how Arsenal should approach the Champions League final against PSG.
In terms of offensive prowess, Arsenal’s forward line, whether featuring Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyökeres at the helm, pales in comparison to Bayern’s formidable attacking trio of Kane, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise. They were effectively contained by a PSG defense, even without the injured right-back Achraf Hakimi. (Warren Zaïre-Emery, who typically plays in central midfield, filled in ably, despite a few jittery moments against Díaz.)
There’s an argument to be made that goalkeeper Matvei Safonov could be a weak link for PSG, especially since he’s not as accomplished as last season’s No. 1, Gianluigi Donnarumma. Arsenal might look to exploit the Russian international at set pieces. However, if Arteta’s squad relies solely on corners and free kicks, they risk facing a one-sided matchup.
Ironically, PSG does not have a set-piece coach, while Arsenal has thrived under theirs, Nicolas Jover. Enrique’s philosophy emphasizes a different style of play focused on on-ground passing and breaking down defenses rather than set-piece tactics.
Since the Champions League’s restructuring in 1992, only one club, Real Madrid, has successfully defended their title, accomplishing this under Zinedine Zidane’s leadership from 2016 to 2018. PSG now has the opportunity to follow in their footsteps by potentially winning back-to-back championships this season. With a top-tier coach in Enrique, who has experience winning twice with both Barca and PSG, they are exhibiting the confidence and composure that characterize elite teams.
The experience gained from last season’s victory against Inter Milan will further benefit them as they face an Arsenal squad with a less established track record and a manager in Arteta who has only secured one major title— the 2020 FA Cup— during his coaching career.
Finals can yield unexpected outcomes, as Chelsea demonstrated by defeating PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup final last summer, but the odds are decidedly against Arsenal.
PSG appears to be the perfect team: they understand how to win and are becoming comfortable with the taste of success. If they can hold onto their Champions League title in Budapest, they will truly cement their place among the greatest teams in European football history.
Victory is within reach, and Arsenal could not have chosen a more formidable adversary.