PSG wins back-to-back UCL titles in thriller vs. Arsenal
PSG defeats Arsenal on 4-3 on penalties
The Champions League Final ended in a thriller in the matchup between two teams with two contrasting play styles.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Arsenal 1-1 (4-3 on penalties). PSG’s goal was scored by 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé in the 64th minute on a penalty kick.
Dembélé was actually subbed off with injury during the match, so we’ll have to keep an eye on his status for the beginning of the World Cup.
The match began at an uptempo pace, as PSG matches typically do, but slowed after Kai Havertz scored for Arsenal in the fifth minute.
At the 17 minute mark, PSG had possession for 80% of the match.
We knew Arsenal would be good defensively. At points throughout the match it almost looked like Arsenal just built a wall on the pitch and PSG could not get their up-tempo offense going.
Fan are accustomed to seeing uptempo PSG matches with many goals and chances, but this was quite the opposite. Which is a testament to what fans have described as Arsenal’s ‘Anti-football’ defensive approach.
From here, we fast forward to the World Cup. Where many of the players from today’s match will be flying across the Atlantic to come here to America and represent their respective countries.