Psg secures back-to-back Champions League glory against Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their European crown this Saturday, clinching a second consecutive Champions League trophy after a tense penalty shootout win over Arsenal. Ousmane Dembélé provided the vital spark for the equalizer, while Joao Neves fought relentlessly in the midfield. Here are the player ratings for the Parisian champions.

Matveï Safonov: 5

The goalkeeper could do little to stop the point-blank strike from Kai Havertz for the opening goal. He showed immense bravery during a 26th-minute intervention and remained sharp throughout the second half, notably producing a crucial save in the 74th minute to keep his side in the contest.

Achraf Hakimi: 5

Proving he had fully recovered from his recent injury, the fullback was active with high-intensity sprints early on. However, he found it difficult to create significant openings or deliver decisive final balls from the right flank.

Marquinhos: 5

A lapse in concentration led to a poor clearance that gifted Arsenal their first goal just six minutes in. The Brazilian captain experienced a game of highs and lows, occasionally fading into the background, though his veteran presence was vital in stabilizing the defense during the closing stages.

Willian Pacho: 4

While he failed to track back in time for the English club’s opener, the defender generally started the match well. The Ecuadorian was particularly effective in aerial battles, and despite some moments of inattention in the second half, he maintained a solid presence.

Nuno Mendes: 5

The Portuguese international struggled to impose himself on the left wing during the first half, often losing physical battles and lacking his usual technical precision. He looked much more dangerous and decisive after the interval.

Vitinha: 5

He mirrored the team’s early nerves and struggled to find his rhythm initially. While he eventually managed to inject some pace into the play, he was less influential than usual, though he did see a powerful second-half strike narrowly miss the target.

Joao Neves: 7

A relentless force who contested every single ball. He set the standard in physical duels and stood out as the most consistent performer in the midfield, explaining why he was the only central player to complete the full match.

Fabian Ruiz: 6

The midfielder delivered a characteristically steady performance. His positioning was intelligent, his passing was accurate, and he provided a physical edge during contested moments.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: 5

Initially neutralized by Mosquera, he eventually forced his marker into a mistake to win a penalty. He became less prominent as the game progressed and struggled to break down a disciplined Arsenal defense before being the first attacker substituted by Luis Enrique.

Ousmane Dembélé: 6

His impact was undeniable when it mattered most. Although he was not always put in the best positions to shine, he demonstrated nerves of steel by converting a high-pressure penalty in a scorching atmosphere.

Désiré Doué: 7

He was a constant threat to the opposition. After setting up Ruiz with a clever ball in the 13th minute, he continued to drive at the defense. His composure during the penalty shootout was the perfect reward for a highly energetic performance.

Bradley Barcola: 5

His introduction was intended to exploit the space behind the defense. He nearly made an immediate impact upon entering the pitch, though his opportunities became more limited as the match wore on.

Luis Enrique: 5

The manager’s decision to start Hakimi proved to be a reasonable gamble. He spent much of the evening shouting instructions to a defensive line that endured a taxing and difficult night under pressure.