In an exciting matchup, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faces Arsenal in the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League final. The match will take place at the Puskás Arena in Budapest, Hungary, at 1 a.m. Korean time on the 31st of this month. As both teams prepare to compete for the prestigious title, their starting lineups have been announced.
Champions League Final Lineups
Paris Saint-Germain’s Starting XI
PSG, the defending champions, will field a strong lineup, aiming for back-to-back titles. Their starting players include:
- Goalkeeper: Matvey Safonov
- Defenders: Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi
- Midfield: João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz
- Forwards: Desire Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Midfielder Lee Kang-in will begin the match on the bench.
Arsenal’s Starting XI
Arsenal, motivated to claim their first Champions League title, will feature the following players:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defenders: Piero Incaupi, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Cristian Mosquera
- Midfield: Miles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice
- Attacking Midfielders: Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Leandro Trossard
- Striker: Kai Havertz
Historic Ambitions
PSG aims to make history with this final. If they secure the victory, they will become the first French club to win consecutive Champions League titles. PSG has demonstrated excellent form throughout the tournament, defeating clubs like Monaco, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich while scoring an impressive total of 44 goals this season.
In contrast, Arsenal is looking to end a lengthy drought in European football. Their last final appearance was in 2006, when they faced Barcelona and suffered a heartbreaking loss. With the Premier League championship already secured, Arsenal hopes to join a select group as the fourth English club to win both their domestic league and the Champions League.
Key Statistics
| Team | Total Goals in UCL This Season | Previous UCL Finals |
|---|---|---|
| PSG | 44 | 1 (2024) |
| Arsenal | N/A | 1 (2006) |
Outlook
As the anticipation builds, both teams have compelling narratives heading into the final. PSG seeks to solidify its dominance in Europe, while Arsenal strives to achieve redemption. The clash promises to be thrilling and monumental in the history of both clubs.
