Forget the attackers: Pacho is the major headache for Arsenal ahead of the Champions League final

Pacho delivered a man-of-the-match performance at centre-half, winning 7/8 duels, winning possession six times, making six clearances, and four tackles.

More impressively, the Ecuadorian international did not give away a single foul.

In fact, Pacho hasn’t received a single card in his last 42 official matches with his club since August 13, 2025.

He is the active defender who has played the most Champions League matches (33) without receiving a single card.

For all the threat of the attackers, the poise of Vitinha and Joao Neves in midfield, and the rapacious full-backs, Arsenal need to find a way to get past Pacho, especially.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are two of the best in the world in the centre-half position, and Pacho is up there with them.

Viktor Gyokeres will have his work cut out for him when he comes up against the 24-year-old.

PSG showed the Gunners in the semi-final that, while they are an attacking force, they can also sit back and defend, with Pacho proving imperious.