PSG Create History
Paris Saint-Germain created history yesterday, as the Parisians became the first team after Real Madrid to successfully defend their Champions League crown. It was an incredible encounter with Arsenal, with the English challengers giving their best, but falling just short of Inheriting Europe’s big prize.
A Slow Gritty Grind At The Puskas Arena
The Football was not free-flowing or electric at the Puskas Arena in Budapest last evening. It was like a slow grind, a gritty contest, skin to a cagey boxing bout. PSG, who are known for their fluent football, were unable to even come close to it as Arsenal made life difficult for the defending Champions.
Kai Havertz Scores A Ripper
The Gunners drew first blood as Kai Havertz ripped one from his left foot after a brilliant run from the left flank. The angle was acute, but Havertz, with a brilliant finish, put the ball into the roof of the net. The Frenchmen were stunned; it was just the 5th minute of the match.
PSG Take Charge, As Arsenal Go Into A Defensive Shell
PSG then held possession for long. Arsenal, in fact, played the entire match without the ball more than with it. The Gunners sat back in their half, making it extremely difficult for PSG to run through the defence. The Parisians, used to their slick play, had to settle for a grind. It was like a slow burn, but Arsenal kept PSG and went into the break 1-0 up.
Dembele Scores As PSG Equalise
Kvaratskhelia was tied in knots, but got one opportunity to break free from the left flank. Mosquera made a loose tackle on the Georgian and conceded a penalty, which Dembele converted with ease. PSG had equalised in the 68th minute.
PSG Misses a Couple of Chances
The equaliser changed the pace of the game a bit. Arsenal began to show much more intent, which opened up a few more spaces for PSG, too. With Kvaratskhelia tiring and Dembele experiencing cramps, Luis Enrique brought fresh legs in Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos onto the pitch. Desire Doue and Barcola both came close to scoring but missed.
Vitinha Was Brilliant in Midfield For PSG
It has to be said that Vitinha in the midfield was the catalyst in ensuring that PSG kept the intent going despite Arsenal’s extremely defensive play. He egged on the forwards, created chances and kept Arsenal on tenterhooks.
Penalty Shootout: The Decider
The match, however, drifted into extra time, and then it was all set for the spot kicks to decide the winner.
Eze, Gabriel Succumb To Pressure, As PSG Win
It was tough and nervy as a packed Puskas Arena looked on. Eberechi Eze shot wide of the post for Arsenal, and then at 3-4, Gabriel struck over the bar to give PSG a record successive Champions League crown. David Raya saved one, though, but it was not enough.
Luis Enrique Prevails
The gritty battle was over, and Luis Enrique had prevailed over Mikel Arteta. Arsenal’s extremely defensive play was appreciated, but the Gunners had to score one more, which they couldn’t. So deeply entrenched were they in defending their goal.
An Opportunity Lost For Arsenal
The stats say it all. PSG had 72℅ possession, had 4 shots on goal against just 1 by Arsenal. PSG generated 11 corners while Arsenal had just 3. The Gunners, unfortunately, bound themselves in restricting PSG and missed a great chance of winning their first Champions League Title.
Vitinha, deservedly, was declared the player of the match.
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