PSG - Arsenal (first half) 0-0

PSG - Ảnh 1. — Arsenal vs. PSG starting lineup for the Champions League final - Screenshot

STARTING LINEUP:

Both teams fielded almost their strongest lineups in the final.

PSG coach Luis Enrique continues to place his trust in goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who has shown consistent form. The central defensive duo of Marquinhos and Willian Pacho will be guarding the goal.

On the left flank, the first choice is undoubtedly Nuno Mendes with his all-around attacking and defensive capabilities. The right-back is Hakimi.

The midfield trio in the 4-3-3 formation remains Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz. Up front, left winger Kvaratskhelia and right winger Desire Doue will support Ousmane Dembele.

Meanwhile, Arteta continued to place his trust in striker Kai Havertz as the starting center forward. Supporting the German forward were Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal's defense remains largely unchanged. David Raya is still in goal. Mosquera is trusted to play at right-back, and Piero Hincapie is on the left. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are certainly a formidable presence that will make PSG's strikers wary.

The midfield features Myles Lewis-Skelly partnering with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

PRE-MATCH INFORMATION:

PSG - Ảnh 2. — PSG are considered the favorites over Arsenal in the Champions League final - Photo: REUTERS

PSG is on the verge of making history, aiming to become only the second club in the Champions League era to successfully defend its title (after Real Madrid).

Meanwhile, Arsenal have just ended their 22-year domestic title drought and are brimming with confidence as they aim for their first ever Champions League trophy. Notably, the timely return of Jurrien Timber has given a significant boost to Arsenal's defense.

The Dutch star will team up with Arsenal players like the central defensive pair Willian Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to form a solid shield protecting goalkeeper David Raya's goal. They will face PSG's very strong attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Furthermore, this trio is being supported by two talented midfielders, Vitinha and Joao Neves.

Conversely, PSG also received good news when coach Luis Enrique stated that full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are fully fit and ready to start.

Furthermore, in this tense showdown, the statements of the two team captains are also noteworthy.

Coach Luis Enrique confidently stated: "I think there's a favorite team, I'll make that clear. We are the champions and we've overcome the toughest journey in Europe this season. Arsenal have a very strong motivation to win the title for the first time, but we are defending our title, which is even stronger."

Conversely, after the bitter defeat against PSG in the semi-finals last season, coach Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his determination to take revenge in this final stage of the competition.

Speaking about PSG's coach, Enrique, the Arsenal manager shared a brief but impactful statement: "I've known Luis Enrique for a long time. He's excellent and admirable. But now, we are rivals and Arsenal aims to beat PSG."