PSG vs. Arsenal: Epic Champions League final a battle of potential dynasty vs. team of destiny

CBS Sports

All the more so given that they know how differently their last meeting with PSG might have gone were it not for the now departed Gianluigi Donnarumma. There is plenty of game state to factor into the 2025 semifinal, one which the Parisians led from the fourth minute of the first leg, but Arsenal did put up 4.59 xG over two games while allowing 2.85. Arteta's insistence that his team were "much better" than PSG over the two legs is debatable but that's the point. There is a reasonable discussion to be had about which team were superior. When Bukayo Saka tells CBS Sports that "you know deep down who we'd want to face in the final", it is a pretty telling suggestion that it's a conversation Arsenal would be happy to have again.

After all, there was no Gabriel, no Kai Havertz, barely half a Bukayo Saka, to say nothing of the new options that were added to Arteta's squad over the summer. Come May 30, there should not be quite the same injury crisis engulfing the Premier League side, though how it would aid them if Jurrien Timber could return in time to hold down the right flank as best he can against the incursions of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

PSG may not have added as many pieces last summer but a side once addicted to recruitment have come to learn the benefit of continuity. A year ago, this team had only just coalesced in such spectacular fashion. Now, Luis Enrique has his machine humming. His coaching of the European champions through a Club World Cup summer with a view to them peaking this month might just have been his masterwork.

A third Champions League title as a coach would establish Luis Enrique not just as the man who turned PSG from elite football's punching bag to its great power, aided by oodles of Qatari cash. His counterpart Arteta has already proven in establishing Arsenal as Champions League and Premier League contenders that he is one of the game's outstanding young coaches. Win in Budapest and those qualifiers will soon be dispensed with.

A dynasty awaits for PSG. The missing piece for Arsenal. This Champions League final promises to be something special.