Kvaratskhelia provides creative spark as PSG reaches second straight Champions League final

TL;DR

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's contributions, including 10 goals and key assists, led Paris Saint-Germain to their second consecutive Champions League final after a 6-5 aggregate win over Bayern Munich. PSG will face Arsenal in the final on May 30.

Key points

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored 10 goals for PSG
PSG defeated Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate
PSG will face Arsenal in the Champions League final

Mentioned in this story

Nasser Al-KhelaifiLuis Enrique

Paris Saint-GermainBayern MunichArsenalKhvicha Kvaratskhelia

Whether scoring or creating, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia makes the difference for Paris Saint-Germain. His team-leading 10 goals have played a huge part in helping titleholder PSG reach a second straight Champions League final. His superb assist put PSG ahead early in a 1-1 draw at Bayern Munich on Wednesday for a 6-5 aggregate win against the six-time champions. That came after the 25-year-old Georgia star's two goals helped PSG win the first leg 5-4. Kvaratskhelia was irrepressible in the semifinals, just as was against Monaco, Chelsea and Liverpool earlier in the Champions League campaign. His awareness led to PSG's goal three minutes into the return leg and put Bayern on the back foot immediately, when many observers expected PSG to struggle early on. Kvaratskhelia even started the move that led to PSG's goal. Catching Bayern's midfield napping by dropping deep, he then released Fabián Ruiz with a brilliant flick with the outside of his right foot. He then spun around to collect Ruiz's excellent first-time pass before sprinting down the left and picking out Dembélé with a fine pass across the penalty area. shot powerfully into the roof of the net for his seventh goal of the competition. Bayern had some spells of possession but never recovered from the early blow and, at the end, Kvaratskhelia’s boundless energy and runs almost led to another PSG goal. “We have a magnificent team, a young team, we fight together," PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said. "We have stars but everyone fights. Look at the last minute, Kvara is cooked (but) kept fighting." Dembélé was PSG's key player last season, and now it could be Kvaratskhelia's turn to shine when PSG faces in the final on May 30. “We’re very happy, we know it will be very difficult against Arsenal,” Kvaratskhelia said. “I’m working every day and getting back with assists or goals. I will do everything for the team.” won three straight times from 2016-18.

Q&A

How did PSG reach the Champions League final in 2024?

PSG reached the final by defeating Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring 10 goals throughout the tournament.

Who is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and what impact did he have on PSG's Champions League campaign?

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a Georgian forward whose 10 goals and crucial assists were instrumental in PSG's success, particularly in the semifinals against Bayern Munich.

When is the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal scheduled?

The Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal is scheduled for May 30, 2024.