PSG face Arsenal with Enrique’s side tipped by Opta
Opta gives PSG a 56% chance to retain the Champions League. Luis Enrique’s side have scored 44 goals and are unbeaten in 11 UCL knockout matches, with Kvaratskhelia starring. Arsenal boast the best defence and Raya’s nine clean sheets.
PSG’s Désiré Doué targets back‑to‑back Champions League titles against Arsenal, saying PSG ‘have the ability to win’, want ‘to make history’, and will chase all trophies while staying humble and focused.
If PSG win in Budapest, Paris plans celebrations with restricted access on the Champs‑Élysées and around Parc des Princes. A nationwide deployment of 22,000 security staff is planned, including 8,000 in the Paris area. A trophy presentation in the capital is being prepared, with the exact location yet to be confirmed.
Rúben Dias is reportedly exploring a move amid Guardiola’s exit, with PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern tracking him. City have him under contract to 2029, so any deal would be costly.
Probable PSG XI: Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz, Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia. Minor doubt Zaïre‑Emery vs Ruiz. Hakimi expected to start at right‑back.
No PSG relevance or details provided beyond Spurs’ interest in an English prospect.
Arsenal captain Declan Rice says they must be ‘at the peak’ and seize chances to beat PSG in the Champions League final, recalling last season’s tight semi‑final and warning against complacency.
Arteta’s 2001‑02 PSG loan shaped his coaching path, mentored by Pochettino and Heinze, rooming with Ronaldinho and debuting in the Champions League, before joining Rangers for £6m.
Reports say Atlético’s Julián Álvarez prefers Barcelona and has asked to leave, with Barça preparing a bid. PSG’s interest is losing credibility as the player prioritises Catalonia.
PSG have opened concrete talks for Lokomotiv Moscow’s 20‑year‑old Alexei Batrakov. Luis Campos is keen, but English clubs are also following. No agreement yet, though the player is attracted by PSG’s project.
Ex‑Monaco assistant Damien Perrinelle hails Luis Enrique’s PSG for quick transitions, possession, and elite pressing and counter‑pressing, saying the team reflects his principles without losing key elements.
Before PSG vs Arsenal in Budapest, The Killers headline the Champions League kick‑off show. UK coverage is on TNT Sports from 3pm BST, with the ceremony expected around 4:30pm BST and streams via UEFA platforms.
