Champions League Final Preview: Arsenal Seek Unbeaten Run as PSG Aim for Back-to-Back Title

Arsenal will attempt to complete an unbeaten UEFA Champions League campaign when they face holders Paris Saint‑Germain in Saturday’s final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

The north London side are one victory away from joining an exclusive group of teams that have gone through an entire European campaign without defeat, but standing in their way are the reigning champions, who are chasing back‑to‑back continental titles.

The final revives memories of last season’s semi‑final meeting between the clubs. PSG won both legs to progress 3‑1 on aggregate before thrashing Inter 5‑0 in the final to secure their first European crown.

Despite that success, those remain PSG’s only wins against Arsenal in the competition, with Arsenal having recorded one victory and two draws in previous encounters.

Mikel Arteta’s men have built their run on defensive discipline. Arsenal kept nine clean sheets during the tournament and conceded only four goals in the league phase. Wins over Atlético Madrid, Bayern München and Inter demonstrated their credentials before they defeated Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting CP and Atlético again in the knockout rounds.

Paris Saint‑Germain have taken a different route. Luis Enrique’s side have lit up the competition with attacking football, scoring 44 goals so far — just one short of Barcelona’s single‑season record set in 1999/2000.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been central to that charge. The Georgian forward has contributed ten goals and six assists during the campaign, including seven goals in the knockout stages.

PSG also swept aside Atalanta, Leverkusen, Barcelona, Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool before overcoming Bayern München in a dramatic semi‑final tie.

On the other hand, the final marks another major step in Arteta’s rebuilding project. Recall that Arsenal reached the quarter‑finals in 2023/24, the semi‑finals in 2024/25 and now stand on the brink of a first European title after losing the 2005/06 final.

Victory for Arsenal would bring the Champions League trophy to north London for the first time. PSG, meanwhile, are aiming to become the first French club to retain the title while strengthening Luis Enrique’s growing legacy.

PSG could receive a timely boost ahead of kick‑off. Achraf Hakimi has returned to training after missing recent games with a thigh injury, while Ousmane Dembélé is also back in training following a calf problem.

Arsenal have injury concerns of their own. Noni Madueke is doubtful after suffering a hamstring issue against Crystal Palace, while Jurriën Timber is still fighting to recover from a groin injury. Ben White has already been ruled out with a serious knee injury.

Possible line‑ups:

PSG: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaïre‑Emery, Vitinha, João Neves; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.

Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis‑Skelley, Ødegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.