Paris Saint-Germain lifted their 2nd ever Champions League, within a year of their 1st! Luis Enrique makes history with the French Champions, and they’re already thinking of their third! The game itself in Budapest was incredibly contrasting, let’s pick it apart.
The early goal came from Kai Havertz, scorer of Chelsea’s winning goal in the 2020/2021 final against Pep’s Manchester City. Willian Pacho’s high press was not covered by his teammates, which seemed unproblematic at the time, but after Marquinhos’ clearance took a fortunate bounce off Leandro Trossard, Havertz was off and away. After looking across and seeing Saka in a difficult position to reach with a pass, the German forward took it upon himself to smash it past Safonov’s near post. 1-0 Arsenal, what would they now do with this lead?
Well, in truth, anyone could have answered that: defend, defend, defend. Arsenal nullified the Parisians for the rest of the first half, having a couple of chances themselves, namely a well-crafted shot for Havertz which the PSG captain Marquinhos blocked exceptionally. It was a largely uneventful half for the football fan, PSG couldn’t quite turn it on enough to break through Arsenal’s lines.
As the second half rolled around, PSG looked more intentional and Arsenal could only do so much to stop them. A quick pass and go between Ousmane Dembele and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia forced stand-in right back Cristhian Mosquera into a fouling challenge. VAR checks took place, but there were no real complaints, Mosquera looked to win the ball but his left leg conclusively brought the Georgian winger down. Dembele fired the ball past Raya, and the Champions League trophy was back out of Arsenal’s hands.
After a few breakaway moments from PSG’s dangerous wingers, the 90 ended 1-1. Extra time yielded much of the same, Arsenal with a couple more chances, but ultimately the game looked destined for penalties. Arsenal finished the 120 minutes with 25% overall possession, the lowest since records began (03/04) for UCL finals. Unfortunately for Arteta, the penalty shootout crowned PSG champions, after Eze’s miss was thankfully cancelled out by Nuno Mendes, but Gabriel sent his over the crossbar, ending the shootout 4-3 to Paris Saint-Germain. As this was also Arteta’s lowest ever possession rate in charge of Arsenal (with 11 men on the pitch), can he be criticised for not taking the game to PSG a little bit more?
I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear – Mohammad Salah (Instagram Post)
In other news, Liverpool have parted ways with head coach Arne Slot after 2 seasons in charge. The first being a major success story, taking over from the legendary Jurgen Klopp and overseeing Liverpool’s dominant 20th league title (2nd Premier League title). However, a truly sour 25/26 season saw Liverpool fans, and even players, calling for change. Slot’s football was hounded relentlessly for its slow pace and unimaginative buildup, which looks to be replaced immediately, as Bournemouth Boss Andoni Iraola is set to succeed Slot as the man in charge for the 26/27 season. He took the Cherries to 6th last season, 1 place below Liverpool. Can he make use of the club’s incredibly expensive incomings that ultimately failed this season?
I feel ready to play in another league – Rafael Leão (interview with Sport TV)
Finally, in an interview with Sport TV Portugal, AC Milan winger Rafael Leão has stated that he will be leaving Italy this summer. Despite a contract running until 2028, the Portuguese player has confirmed his departure already, claiming that ‘It’s time to try another challenge.’ Known for his phenomenal 1v1 ability, excellent ball-manipulation and blistering pace, Leão signed for the red side of Milan in 2019. Having been in Italy for 7 years with varying success, including an Italian Super Cup and a single Scudetto (league title), it is fair to see the desire to build a new path. Several teams have reported interest, including clubs in Turkey and Manchester United in England. It will be interesting to see where the 26 year old ends up.
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