PSG thrives, rising to a new level.

Having overcome "challenger" Arsenal in the penalty shootout of the final, PSG officially wrote a new chapter in the history of European football.

Arsenal's defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League final was not entirely unexpected. Mikel Arteta's team had a dream start with an early goal from Kai Havertz. They defended resolutely despite conceding an equalizer, taking the game to a penalty shootout before ultimately being eliminated by the reigning champions.

Arsenal are running out of steam again.

The night in Budapest, Hungary, was dazzling with vibrant colors, including a thrilling clash at the pinnacle of European football watched by the entire football world . However, the joy was only one-sided, because unlike PSG, who had already proven their class, Arsenal faltered as usual at the doorstep of glory.

In recent years, Arsenal have returned to the ranks of Europe's top teams. They compete fiercely in the Premier League, progress deep into the Champions League, and possess one of the youngest and most promising squads on the continent. However, a significant gap always remains between the reigning champions and even the most promising contenders.

The 1-1 draw after 120 minutes easily leads many to mistakenly believe this was a very balanced match. The statistics reflect a different reality: PSG took 21 shots, 3 times more than Arsenal (7); controlled the ball 75.3% and had 11 corner kicks compared to only 3 of their opponent.

PSG has learned how to reign supreme in European football. (Photo: UEFA)

Those statistics show that Arsenal, despite scoring first, were unable to control the game. They were forced to sit deep and defend against pressure for most of the match, and were almost entirely reliant on counter-attacking opportunities. That's the difference between a team that wants to win and a team that knows how to win.

Arsenal are not short of talent. Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz are all top players in Europe. What the Gunners lack is squad depth and the mental fortitude gained from past conquests. The consecutive setbacks over the past few seasons show that to reach the top, Arsenal need more than just a quality starting lineup.

Experienced players and a star-studded squad with the personality to make a difference in crucial moments are the elements Arsenal needs to build, just like how Real Madrid or Man City established their "empires".

PSG have found the "winning formula".

Unlike Arsenal, who are still on their journey to perfection, PSG have proven that success doesn't necessarily have to be built on superstars. Years ago, the Parisian club boasted the "trio" of Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé, yet they still couldn't lift the Champions League trophy.

The irony is that PSG found their "winning formula" after their biggest stars left. The squad that successfully defended their Champions League title this season didn't have many names that generated significant media attention. Apart from Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, most of the PSG players weren't familiar stars to the majority of fans.

What makes "Les Parisiens" so powerful? Vitinha is a piece of the seamless Lego block that is PSG. The Portuguese midfielder had 162 touches, made 150 passes, and took 4 shots – the best statistics in the final. Achraf Hakimi led in the number of passes in the attacking area, while Désiré Doué created the most chances.

None of them are at the center of a global advertising campaign, but they are all crucial links in the system that coach Luis Enrique has built. PSG is no longer a collection of big egos. They operate as a tightly organized machine, where the collective is prioritized over individual values.

Two consecutive Champions League titles are proof of PSG's significant transformation. For many years, Ligue 1 was often overshadowed by the Premier League, La Liga, or Bundesliga.

PSG dominates France but is rarely ranked alongside the biggest forces in Europe. Therefore, this success of Luis Enrique's team extends beyond the scope of a single club.

Winning the Champions League twice in a row has made PSG the leading force in French football. PSG's success is due to a sound development strategy, a masterful manager, and a team that is always striving for excellence, always dreaming of victory, and asserting its position as a new force in the European football order.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/psg-thang-hoa-vuon-len-vi-the-moi-196260531214351881.htm