Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain face Arsenal in the Champions League final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Saturday. Arsenal seek their first European crown, while PSG aim to retain the trophy they won last season.
Arsenal’s biggest weapon may come from dead-ball situations. Mikel Arteta has built a side that attacks corners and free-kicks with power and precision. Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes often leads that threat, while set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has helped turn Arsenal into one of Europe’s most dangerous teams from restarts.
PSG coach Luis Enrique acknowledged that strength. “People may say that they don’t score team goals, but who cares about that? Ask any Arsenal fan and I’m sure they’re delighted.”
The French side carry danger down the left flank. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has scored 10 goals in the competition and arrives as one of PSG’s most influential players. Behind him, Nuno Mendes provides pace and attacking support. Arsenal hope the return of Jurrien Timber will help contain that threat.
The midfield battle could prove decisive. Declan Rice has carried a heavy workload throughout the season and remains central to Arsenal’s game. He will likely line up against Vitinha, who has controlled PSG’s tempo throughout the campaign.
Fitness also forms part of the story. Several Arsenal starters have played more than 3,000 minutes this season, with Rice, Gabriel, William Saliba, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya all reaching 4,000 minutes.
Arteta dismissed fatigue concerns. “That’s the context and that’s the scenario, and we have to embrace it and especially enjoy the opportunity.”
Luis Enrique rotated his squad more often during PSG’s Ligue 1 campaign. “Rest is also an integral part of preparation, especially when we’re playing matches like these.”
The final also pits the tournament’s strongest defence against one of its most productive attacks. Arsenal have conceded only six goals and Raya has kept nine clean sheets. PSG have scored 44 goals, one short of the competition record.
Luis Enrique may yet spring another tactical surprise. PSG changed their approach during the semi-final against Bayern Munich, mixing attacking football with a more cautious second-leg display. The Spaniard suggested he could do the same again.
“We’ll have to adapt to play and defend in a different way compared to what we usually do if we want to get the better of them.”
Arteta expects that possibility. “We have analysed everything they do in every phase. We’ve prepared the possible scenarios.”
