Luis Enrique has marked a before and after in the history of PSG. And when it seemed that the constellation of stars was going out with the march of Mbappéthe project has begun to shine with its own light. Only the Real Madrid had managed to revalidate the title under the format of Champions League and the beginning did not invite optimism. But they managed to recover, they took out their ADN champion and guided the Parisian team to Olympus of the competition knocking down a Arsenal who seemed unbeatable… but who was denied his first chance by the luck of penaltiesOrejona’.
Con Hakimi and Dembélé ready, the only doubt that the PSG He pointed to the center of the field… and Luis Enrique opted for the experience of Fabian before Zaire-Emery. Except Safonovthe same eleven that devastated the Inter a year ago. Many more doubts were presented by the Arsenal: Arteta I don’t take risks with Timber and placed Flycatcher as a winger due to the injury of White, Hincapie won the game against Calafiori on the left, gave continuity to the moment of Lewis-Skelly y Havertzthe only Gunner with experience in a Champions League final, started ahead of Rooted.
It didn’t take long for both teams to reveal their cards. He Arsenal He went out to wait in a passive middle block with the intention of very few things happening… while the PSG tried to give him agility with constant exchanges in the engine room and the descents of Dembélé to generate superiorities. But when barely six minutes had passed, Havertz He showed off his gift for appearing at important moments. Marquinhos He went out on the wing and his clearance, after bouncing Trossardenabled the German’s career, who when it seemed that he was running out of angle ‘shot’ Safonov.
It was the dream start for him. Arsenalhow quickly he made him understand PSG that this was not going to be the same as what happened last year before the Inter in Munich. Luis EnriqueHe even began to pull his strings in search of solutions: he lateralized Fabian to the left sector, he threw the fullbacks up and put inside Doué and Kvaratskhelia to condition the back Rice y Lewis-Skelly.
own Fabianwho showed himself to be the most in tune man in the Parisian team, had the first chance by breaking loose on the left side. Now, the feeling is that the Arsenal I had everything under control and PSG It needed the ‘cooling break’ to continue adjusting. As soon as the game resumes, yes, Safonov He bravely came out to cut off a shipment of Of to the penalty spot… and got a ‘slap’ from Marquinhos which jeopardized its continuity.
Little by little, the PSG he was backing away from Arsenal. However, there was a lack of rhythm in the circulation and ideas did not flow in the last third. The number of centers that searched the area was striking… and there a Gabriel tremendously solid. It wasn’t until 42′ when, for the first time, they challenged Flycatcher. overflowed Nuno Mendesbut Hincapie He closed perfectly at the far post. Better still, yes, was the action of Marquinhos going to the ground to deny the double to Havertz.
The face of Luis Enrique and all the players of the PSG When it came to facing the locker room tunnel it showed that something was not working. Siebertyes, it gave a touch to the Arsenal for ‘falling asleep’ before taking a corner in favor signaling the end of the first half and, upon returning, he showed a yellow to Flycatcher in a matter of seconds for wasting time on a throw-in.
Did not make changes Luis Enrique to rest. But, at times, it did alter the positions of Dembélé y Doué. He had barely suffered Arsenal. In fact, the first intervention of Raya arrived in the 55th minute, blocking a long-range free kick by Judge. Now, Arteta did not want the block to be so sunk either and the Arsenal He took a little step forward.
He PSGHowever, it started to carbure. The ball was already moving at a different speed and, after game time, Siebert pointed to the penalty spot after Flycatcher lock from behind Kvaratskhelia. He took responsibility Dembele’s…and masterfully deceived a Raya who could not catch the record of being the first goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet 10 times during the same edition of Champions.
did not wait Arteta for the game to be resumed to retire one’s own Flycatcher to put the Timber. He also entered Rooted to form a double point with Havertz. A risky decision that, far from recovering the threat, caused the PSG Find spaces to run. KvaratskheliaHe even hit the post after taking a ball out of the zone. A cross and start a cabalgada from your own field.
The Georgian, yes, said ‘enough’ and left his place for a Stagger who, as soon as he jumped onto the field, stood before Raya after Nuno Mendes a throw-in combed by Gabriel. He Arsenalfor its part, also renewed the flanks with Madueke and Martinelli… and wanted to die in the rival area. However, more than one’s heart stopped with the shot of Vitinha from the front that went grazing the crossbar and another against the one himself Stagger could not have resolved worse.
There was not a single player without muscle discomfort. But Arteta made another risky decision, exhausting changes to face extra time, the first in a final of Champions in a decade, giving rise to Zubimendi and Eze. It didn’t take long to get in either. Zaire-Emery by an ecstatic Fabián.
Fatigue took its toll and the truth is that little was played. Now, it looked fresh Maduekewho claimed a penalty of Nuno Mendesalready a Stagger which was measured to the right to tighten the nuts to Hincapiewho couldn’t handle the boots. It was right Raya in the few actions that he had to intervene… and the Arsenal He grabbed onto the set piece trying to avoid the penalties. Fate, however, had other plans.
Hakimi won both draws and Gonçalo Ramos He started by tilting the batch. Rooted responded, but Gifted He transferred the pressure again to a Eze who sent the ball out with Safonov sold. It was time for Raya appeared and stopped his launch Nuno Mendes so that Rice put the tables back. Achraf and Martinelli They didn’t fail either. Beraldo He kept his mouth shut by deceiving himself Raya… y Gabriel He sent the decisive penalty over the crossbar. The dream of Arsenal broke into a thousand pieces and Luis Enrique elevated to Olympus of the Champions still PSG willing to establish a dynasty.
