Crisis management

At the same time, the British media tried to deal with the loss of the title from a different perspective with... mixed emotions.

The Sun sided with Arsenal, with the headline “Unfair. Simply unfair” and stressed that it was unfair for Brazilian stopper Gabriel, who was the Gunners’ top player throughout the match, to come under fire.

On the other hand, The Sunday Telegraph used sharper language, speaking of a “catastrophic failure” on Gabriel’s part, although it also highlighted the very beautiful moment when his compatriot Marquinhos hugged him.

The best team in Europe

In Italy, Gazzetta dello Sport spoke of a “cruel mistake” on Arsenal’s part, while praising Luis Enrique, emphasizing that he has managed to build the best team in Europe.

At the same time, the American ESPN reported that “Paris simply seemed to have more confidence, maturity and experience”, emphasizing that the Spanish coach has now joined the closed club of coaches who have three Champions League trophies in their trophy cabinet.

Finally, Marca wrote that “Luis Enrique is a turning point in the history of Paris”, explaining that the club has completely overcome the departure of Kylian Mbappe.

Paris Saint-Germain – Arsenal 4-3 on penalties. (1-1 etc., over time .)

History was written again in Parisian style, after in the Russian roulette Paris prevailed 4-3 (1-1 etc., par.) of Arsenal and conquered back-to-back the Champions League cup.

For 64 minutes everyone had forgotten about the “Invincibles” and everyone dreamed of Arsenal in… immortality. However, Paris Saint-Germain did not let the crown leave Paris, brought the game to a draw (1-1) and in the Russian roulette (4-3) took the trophy again. Paris became the one… immortal, since after Real Madrid it is the only team (after 1992) to conquer the Champions League back-to-back. The final in Budapest went down in history, since after 2018 both teams managed to find the net.

Goal with… good evening and 80% possession!

The first half of the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest had a clear tactical character and a strong imbalance in the picture of the match. In the first good moment we even had a goal! In the 6th with a strong dose of luck for Arsenal, the ball (after a carom on a shot by Marquinhos that hit Trossard) reached Kai Havertz, who with a 30-meter race and an amazing finish from a difficult angle achieved 1-0. The German became the face of the finals, since only he, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic have scored in Champions League finals with two different teams. The continuation? Not the one that Luis Enrique and his players imagined. The Londoners executed their plan flawlessly, completely limiting the creation of the French.

Vitinha, with 67 passes in the first half, expressed Paris Saint-Germain’s effort to patiently build attacks, mainly in the first two thirds of the pitch. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal defended with a flexible 4-2-4 without the ball, with constant returns and active participation of all lines, closing every vertical corridor and forcing Paris into slow, predictable traffic.

The scene in the first quarter of the second half was the same! Paris full attack, Arsenal pressure and defense. The possession was 80% for Luis Enrique’s team, but their attackers could not break down the opposing defense.

Arsenal, who had retreated deep after the break, began to raise their defensive line after 55 minutes, attempting to put more pressure on Paris' half. The Parisians found space on the left, Mosquera brought down Kvaratschelia and the German referee Zibert awarded the penalty. Ousmane Dembele did not miss and scored his 8th goal of this season's Champions League, his sixth since the second leg of the quarter-finals against Liverpool and onwards! Arsenal came out higher and Paris, who extended their game in the second half, found space... Thus, in the 89th minute, the French almost ended the final. Vitinha shot from the height of the area, with the ball going inches over the post! But neither did Barcola in injury time managed to score after a crazy race.

Thus, it became the 12th final in the history of the competition and the first in ten years to go to extra time.

Gabriel is fatal

Luis Enrique's team not only retained the European scepters, but also wrote its name next to some of the most emblematic dynasties in the history of European football. A total of nine teams since the beginning of the competition have defended their European title. To make this happen, Ramos, Doue, Hakimi and Beraldo scored, with Nuno Mendes missing, but not affecting the development. Gabriel was the fatal player of the match, who sent the ball out in the last penalty. Gjokeres, Rice and Martinelli had found the net, while Eze had missed the second penalty.

Undefeated but…

Despite remaining unbeaten in the 15 matches they played in the Champions League this year, Arsenal failed to lift the trophy.

A difficult night for Arsenal fans, who reached the source but for the second time did not drink water. Then, in 2006, it was Barcelona with an upset, this year it was Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, with the Gunners losing the trophy despite not losing a match this year in the UEFA Champions League!

You see, after 8/8 in the league phase, the Gunners reached the final undefeated and there they were left 1-1 with Paris, with the defeat coming on penalties. In a normal match flow, in short, they remained undefeated. At the same time, the 226 matches that the Londoners have played in the institution are the most for a team that has never managed to win the precious trophy.

Marquinhos

Gabriel was the... fatal one in the "Russian roulette" for the Londoners, sending the ball out and at the same time the players and fans of Paris to... heaven. However, one image stole the show.

Immediately after the missed penalty and despite the intense celebrations from the people of the French, Marquinhos made an extremely touching gesture as he went straight to his compatriot who missed from the eleven steps and hugged him.



In fact, he went first among his... teammates, saying something to him, while we should remember that both of them are in Ancelotti's choices for the FIFA World Cup and it is not ruled out that the duo will be in the center of defense.