PSG: Arsenal thwarted by the tactical victory of one Spaniard over another; match decided by the French bench
PSG retained its UEFA Champions League trophy after a win on penalties in Budapest. This was the French club’s second consecutive European title, and the tactical masterclass displayed by its manager, Luis Enrique, was the major cause behind the victory.
Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, scored through a brilliant strike by Kai Havertz in the 5th minute of the match. After this goal, the team decided to sit back, playing its signature defensive style of football. However, Ousmane Dembélé converted from the spot after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was brought down inside the area, and the score remained 1-1 before the match went to penalties. It is to be noted that PSG could not score from open play during the entirety of the match, even after having players the likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the pitch. This was proof of Arsenal’s brilliant defensive structure that wore out the PSG players, as reported by Foot Mercato.
However, Luis Enrique once again showed his tactical acumen by turning to his bench. The substitute players of PSG, although they failed to score, gave serious trouble to the gameplay tactics of Arsenal, who were forced to push forward following Ousmane Dembélé’s equaliser. Introducing Bradley Barcola in place of the Georgian winger added much-needed pace to the PSG attack. Although he missed two big chances, Barcola put the Arsenal defenders to a real test with his runs.
In extra time, the additions of players like Zabarnyi, Beraldo and Gonçalo Ramos also stood as proof of Enrique’s tactical masterclass. The players of Arsenal had no answer to the substitutions made by Enrique. Beraldo and Ramos also converted their spot kicks during the shootout, repaying their manager’s faith.
While Arteta’s substitution failed to make any significant impact on the game situation, it was PSG’s bench which shined on a day that truly mattered.
In the post-match interview, Enrique said, “I have positive feelings. I’m in a dream. I’m very happy. But I want to emphasise one thing. We were very unfair to Warren (Zaïre-Emery, the substitute), because he deserved to play in this final. He showed his character; he accepted my decision, but it was very unfair. He’s a true professional, and I wanted to say that.”
The Spaniard further said, “We played a very high-level final against a great opponent who scored early, and it was a perfect game plan for them. It was difficult for us; we couldn’t find the spaces. It was a bit better afterwards, but against Arsenal, who defend very well with a low block, it was tricky. This back-to-back title is important, and we’re proud. It’s time to celebrate.”
