Arsenal will go all out to secure their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday.
Second Chance at Glory
This is Arsenal's second appearance in the Champions League final, having lost 2-1 to Barcelona in 2006 despite taking an early lead. The Gunners are brimming with confidence after winning their first Premier League title in 22 years, but they face a stern test against PSG, who won Ligue 1 and are the reigning Champions League holders after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in last season's final.
Arteta: We Are Here to Take the Trophy
Ahead of the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta emphasized that his team has a chance to "write a new history." Speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference, the Spanish tactician dismissed suggestions that PSG are favorites. "Well, they are defending the trophy, they are the champions. They earned the right last season. And we are here to take that away from them," Arteta said. He added: "I think it is the opportunity to own the moment because it is the second time in our history that we are here and we have the opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of this football club. In order to do that, we have to play with such clarity, a lot of courage, and a relentless desire to win. We have those three aspects, and I am sure that we are going to be close to winning."
Saka: We Have Enough Fire
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka also addressed the media, urging his teammates to seize the moment. "We have enough fire going into the game tomorrow. We know we can write history as players for the first time, and that gives us a lot of motivation. I am hungry and excited to have the opportunity to win another trophy and create history for the club that I love," Saka said.
Odegaard: Dreaming of This Moment
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard shared his lifelong dream of winning such trophies. "I have been dreaming about winning these trophies since I grew up playing football as a kid with my friends, on the little pitch next to my house in Norway. It is something special that we can achieve something that has not been done before," Odegaard said enthusiastically.
PSG: A Daunting Challenge
The Gunners know they face a formidable opponent in PSG, who have won Ligue 1 for five consecutive seasons and boast exceptional attacking talent. Players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Barcola can decide a game with their immense skill. PSG head coach Luis Enrique will rely on them to deliver against Arsenal.
Enrique: No Favorite
Enrique praised Arsenal and Arteta for their Premier League triumph. "I am not surprised, especially with what he has done this year. They are worthy of winning the Premier League, the best team in the league. It was not easy with Manchester City on their tails. Arteta has been there six and a half years, and he knows them inside and out," Enrique said. When asked if PSG are favorites, he replied: "I do not think that there is a favorite, to be honest. For us, the devil is in the details, and I think it will be a very close call. We have to give our all but enjoy the 90 minutes; there is always tension. It is about knowing how to manage that stress, that is important."
Key Stats
- PSG and Arsenal meet for the eighth time, with their head-to-head record perfectly balanced at two wins each and three draws. However, PSG won the two most recent meetings in the 2024-25 semi-finals.
- PSG have won each of their past five Champions League knockout ties against English clubs. Manchester City were the last English side to eliminate PSG, in the 2020-21 semi-finals.
- Kvaratskhelia has been involved in more goals than any other player in the 2025-26 Champions League knockout phase (10), scoring seven times and providing three assists. He is the first player to score or assist in seven consecutive knockout-stage appearances in the same Champions League campaign.
- Vitinha has made 227 line-breaking passes in the competition this season – 44 more than any other player. Declan Rice, with 94, has the most for Arsenal.
