Paris Saint-Germain secured their second consecutive Champions League title in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal. The match saw standout contributions from several players, particularly Ousmane Dembélé, whose decisive strike kept the Parisians in the contest. Meanwhile, Joao Neves delivered an energetic midfield display that earned high praise. Here’s a breakdown of individual performances.
Matveï Safonov: 5/10
Faced with Kai Havertz’s early strike, the goalkeeper had little chance. His heroics came later, notably a crucial save at the 74-minute mark that kept his team in the game. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t prevent Arsenal from taking the lead.
Achraf Hakimi: 5/10
The Moroccan full-back showed signs of recovery from injury with energetic runs in the opening stages. However, he struggled to impact the game significantly on the right flank.
Marquinhos: 5/10
The Brazilian defender was culpable in the build-up to Arsenal’s first goal. His performance was inconsistent, though his experience proved valuable in the closing stages as he helped stabilize the team.
Willian Pacho: 4/10
The Ecuadorian defender couldn’t recover in time for Arsenal’s opener but had a solid start. His aerial presence was notable, though he made some uncharacteristic errors in the second half.
Nuno Mendes: 5/10
Struggled early on his left flank, often bullied physically and lacking precision. Improved markedly in the second half, showing more incisiveness.
Vitinha: 5/10
Began nervously, mirroring his team’s early struggles. Later injected some tempo into the game but failed to deliver a standout performance. His second-half effort narrowly missed the target.
Joao Neves: 7/10
Dominant in midfield, winning duels and providing relentless energy. His all-action performance earned him the highest rating among the Parisian players and justified his full match appearance.
Fabian Ruiz: 6/10
A reliable presence, offering solid positioning and passing. His contributions were steady but not spectacular.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: 5/10
Initially contained by Arsenal’s defense, he managed to draw a foul leading to a penalty. Though he troubled his marker, he lacked the impact needed to destabilize the opposition’s sturdy backline.
Ousmane Dembélé: 6/10
The French winger was instrumental, delivering the crucial equalizer from the penalty spot. Despite limited service, he showcased composure in high-pressure moments to secure the shootout victory.
Désiré Doué: 7/10
Constantly probed Arsenal’s defense, creating the most dangerous chances for PSG. His penalty was a testament to his cool-headedness under pressure, capping off a stellar performance.
Bradley Barcola: 5/10
His introduction added a new dimension to PSG’s attack, nearly making an immediate impact. Though he had fewer opportunities later, his presence stretched the play.
Luis Enrique: 5/10
The manager’s tactical choices paid off with Hakimi’s inclusion proving effective. He spent much of the match barking orders to his beleaguered defenders, who endured a challenging evening.
