Final for the history books and new records

The stage is set for the match of the year, a clash of two completely different footballing philosophies, a Champions League final that will bring the season to its grand conclusion. On one side stands Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, chasing their first-ever European crown and a place among the immortals. On the other is Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning kings of Europe, determined to become the first French club ever to successfully defend the Champions League title. This is not just a battle for the famous trophy; it is, as Arteta himself likes to say, a collision of two different worlds.

The London club arrives in the Hungarian capital riding the wave of a historic achievement. Around ten days before the Champions League final, Arsenal were crowned champions of England for the first time since Arsene Wenger's legendary "Invincibles" of the 2003/04 season. Arteta's side could earn a similar nickname. However, should they triumph on Saturday night, a more fitting description might be: immortal. What Arsenal have accomplished this season runs contrary to the narrative that has followed them throughout the campaign — a team supposedly overly reliant on set pieces, playing defensive, cautious, and uninspiring football. Yet this very team now has the opportunity to finish the season with the two biggest trophies available, something no previous Arsenal generation has managed to achieve.

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The Premier League title is already secured. Now their sights are fixed on the Champions League trophy, the only major prize still missing from the Emirates Stadium trophy cabinet. Arsenal could even win it unbeaten. Such a feat has been achieved by only nine clubs, but Arsenal's accomplishment would arguably be even more impressive because, since UEFA introduced the new format, the minimum number of matches required to win the competition has increased from 13 to 15. Arsenal finished first in the league phase while boasting the competition's most prolific attack (23 goals) and strongest defense (4 goals conceded). They then navigated the knockout rounds largely thanks to the defensive fortress built by William Saliba and Gabriel in front of goalkeeper David Raya. Their overall record stands at 14 matches, 10 wins, 4 draws, and a goal difference of 29-6.

Standing opposite Arsenal's reinforced concrete wall is a team that thrives on attacking freedom. Paris Saint-Germain have stormed through the competition scoring 44 goals, moving within touching distance of the Champions League record set by Barcelona in the 1999/2000 season (45 goals). Like last year, the reigning European champions made a relatively slow start. They had to come through the playoff round to reach the knockout stage and were not particularly convincing against Monaco. But after that they dismantled Chelsea and Liverpool before eliminating Bayern Munich, demonstrating in the second leg of the semifinal in Munich that they are perfectly capable of managing results when necessary. One man has been directly involved in more than a third of PSG's goal contributions in the competition, whether through goals or assists: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian has scored ten Champions League goals, seven of them in the knockout rounds, and arrives in Budapest in the form of his life.

The key factor that could decide this final may be freshness. PSG enjoy a luxury that many elite European clubs do not: they can rest key players whenever necessary in domestic competition and even postpone matches when facing bigger challenges. Such a thing is almost unimaginable in England, where Arsenal have been unable to ease off the accelerator for even a moment. The numbers support his argument. Arsenal’s usual starters have played roughly 660 more minutes on average this season than PSG’s first-choice lineup. That relentless schedule has left deep scars on Arsenal’s squad. At various points this season Arteta was without Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino, and Jurrien Timber, whose participation in the final remains uncertain. Arsenal would face a major problem if the Dutchman cannot play, especially since Ben White has already been ruled out for the season.

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The same concern applies to Achraf Hakimi, who last played in the second leg against Bayern at the end of April. However, the latest reports suggest he will be available, meaning PSG should field their strongest possible lineup. Still, PSG face an exceptionally difficult task — one that is rarely accomplished in the modern era of football. Defending the crown. Proving that one triumph was not merely a coincidence. Demonstrating that sustained dominance is possible. Throughout the history of the European Cup and the Champions League, many clubs have managed to retain the trophy. It was particularly common in the competition’s early years. But since 1980, only AC Milan (1989 and 1990) and Real Madrid, with their three consecutive triumphs from 2016 to 2018, have successfully defended the trophy. Can PSG now do the same? Can they become the first French club ever to achieve it?

It is a massive challenge for Luis Enrique and his squad because Arsenal simply do not lose in this season’s Champions League. While this final is characterized by two teams built on attacking football, it would be a mistake to overlook the fact that both Enrique and Arteta, outstanding representatives of the Spanish coaching school, have instilled remarkable tactical discipline into their teams. Their players are capable of defending at an elite level, and that may prove decisive over these 90 minutes. Whose wall will remain intact? Or can either side withstand the offensive power of the other? One thing is certain: football should be the winner here.

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Another challenge awaits Arsenal: becoming only the second London club to lift the Champions League trophy. Chelsea have already done it twice, in 2012 and 2021. Now it is Arsenal’s turn to write their own chapter in history. Will that add pressure? Undoubtedly. Yet they may also feel liberated, having already achieved one enormous objective by winning the Premier League.

“Our ambition is greater. We’ve won one trophy, now we want another. That has been our conversation. It must become the foundation for reaching even higher goals. This team has the ability, and we’ve shown it over the last three seasons in this competition, especially this year. I want my players to be convinced that they can do it,” Arteta said.

Champions League finals do not come around often, and Arteta’s squad understands the significance of the opportunity before them.

“Everyone wants more. Going through moments like these creates a different kind of desire, because you’ve lifted a trophy, you know that feeling, and you want to experience it again and again. This is only the second final in the club’s history. We have the chance to write a new chapter and a new page in the history of this club.”

For Luis Enrique, everything comes down to one central idea: remaining one of the best teams in Europe and the world. That mission, which he embraced when he arrived in Paris, has now reached its peak.

“Every time we see our supporters this excited, it’s a very positive thing. Before the final, we are focused on what matters, on the things we can control. The motivation isn’t to make history — we already did that last year. The goal is to remain one of the best teams in Europe and the world. Winning this trophy once is historic. Winning it twice is legendary.”

Last season they crushed Inter 5-0 in the final, but Enrique expects a far greater challenge this time.

“Finals are always difficult. Last year was an exception. Our superiority didn’t fully reflect the reality of that match. There is no favorite in this final, and I say that sincerely. We want to enjoy those 90 minutes on the pitch. In matches like this there is always tension and expectation, and you have to know how to handle those moments”.

Arteta boldly declared that Arsenal would become champions, but Enrique refuses to use those comments as motivation.

“Use that as motivation? There is no greater motivation than playing in a Champions League final. We’ll see who is better and who lifts the trophy. My focus remains on what is best for my team so we can produce our highest level in the final”.

PSG’s biggest weapon may be Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who says he and his teammates remain hungry for titles.

“You always want to be playing in a Champions League final at the end of May. Winning the first title last year did so much for us. We were all incredibly happy. It was a historic night. In August we reset. We have a young and ambitious group of players. We don’t want to stop here. Winning again is important. It would be historic. But we must stay calm because we are facing a strong opponent. We will do everything possible to ensure the trophy remains in our hands” he said. Everything is set for history. And history remembers only one thing: The winners. Will Arsenal place a golden seal on the greatest season in the club’s history, or will PSG confirm the beginning of a dynasty?