Key Takeaways
- Arsenal hold the best record in this season’s tournament with ten wins and two draws.
- Bayern Munich have found the net 38 times, making them the highest-scoring side left in the competition.
- Paris Saint-Germain aim to become the first club to retain the trophy in the modern era.
Thirty-two teams have left the competition. Now just four remain. One of these clubs will lift the famous trophy at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
Paris Saint-Germain currently hold the crown. They want back-to-back victories after winning their first title last term. Arsenal and Atletico Madrid both chase maiden European glory. Bayern Munich target a seventh crown, their first since 2020.
The numbers tell an interesting story. Arsenal top the charts with ten victories and two draws from twelve matches. They defeated Bayern Munich in November. However, the North London side has not reached a final since 2006. That year Barcelona beat them in Paris. History suggests first-time winners face a tough task. Only three of the last twenty champions won on their debut.
The Gunners finished first in the league phase. This gave them a smoother path to the final. They overcame Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting in earlier rounds.
Next, they face Atletico Madrid. Many experts dismissed Diego Simeone’s team. Yet they eliminated Barcelona in the quarter-finals. The Madrid side currently trail in La Liga. They also lost the Copa del Rey final to Real Sociedad. However, Julian Alvarez gives them hope. The Argentine has scored nine goals and provided four assists in thirteen games.
Bayern Munich have already secured the Bundesliga title. Vincent Kompany’s side looks sharp. They beat Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate in a thrilling quarter-final. This brought their goal tally to thirty-eight in twelve matches. Harry Kane leads the attack with twelve strikes. The England captain receives support from flying wingers like Michael Olise. The German giants know exactly what it takes to win this competition.
Then come the holders, Paris Saint-Germain. Luis Enrique’s men crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in last year’s final. That margin set a record. Like last season, they entered via the play-offs. They knocked out Chelsea and Liverpool. A 4-0 aggregate win against the Premier League champions proved their quality. Now they possess vital experience too.
Expert Views
Guillem Balague believes Arsenal will defeat Atletico. He expects tight matches because both sides struggle against compact defences. He tips PSG to overcome Bayern due to stronger momentum. He predicts a PSG versus Arsenal final. The French side would start as favourites. However, Arsenal might play without pressure. This could help them release their inner demons and win.
Alex Howell reports that Arsenal play differently in Europe. They show more freedom. Their best performances came in this competition. They have already beaten Bayern and Atletico this season. This brings confidence. But their current form worries him. They struggled against Sporting. He adds that beating a team earlier means little. Last season they lost to PSG in the semi-final after beating them in the league phase. Howell fancies Arsenal to pass Atletico. But winning the final depends on the Premier League race. If they lose the domestic title, recovery seems unlikely.
Sara Menai doubts PSG can defend their crown. Last season was special. This year feels different. Their domestic form suffers. The squad lacks depth. She names Bayern as favourites. She cannot see anyone stopping them. She rules out Arsenal due to their heavy schedule.
Taufig Khalil also backs Bayern. Surviving Real Madrid proved their readiness. He praises Harry Kane as the true leader. Kane commands the box and midfield. He handles the media like a king. Khalil calls him “King Harry”. He makes the difference. If Bayern reach the final, they will win. If not, PSG will triumph.