Andrea Pirlo, a former two-time Champions League winner, has expressed his belief that Arsenal hold a significant advantage over Paris Saint-Germain ahead of their upcoming final in the prestigious European competition. The clash between the Premier League champions and Ligue 1 title holders is set to take place in Budapest on Saturday, marking a highly anticipated showdown.
Arsenal, making their return to the Champions League final for the first time since 2006, are aiming to break their long-standing curse by securing their first-ever title in the club’s history. On the other hand, PSG are looking to defend the trophy they claimed with a commanding performance against Inter Milan in Munich last year.
Mikel Arteta’s team has had an impressive campaign this season, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. Their recent success as league champions has further boosted their confidence heading into the final. According to Pirlo, Arsenal’s physicality and set-piece expertise could be key factors in their quest for victory.
‘They have two central defenders and a striker who are very good in the air. They will look to take advantage,’ Pirlo said during an interview with Sky Sports. He also praised Arsenal’s ability to study and exploit such situations, highlighting their consistent success over the past few years.
‘I have been following them a lot in the Premier League and Champions League. They have had a great run in the last few years, not just this year, and they deserved to win the Premier League title. PSG do not have these big jumpers so they will have to look for different solutions.’
Despite acknowledging Arsenal’s strengths, Pirlo still believes PSG have the edge in this final. He lauded the young and attacking squad assembled by Luis Enrique, calling him the best coach in the world at the moment.
‘Luis Enrique is the best coach in the world at the moment,’ Pirlo added. ‘He has created a strong team, a strong mentality with young players. It is a real pleasure to see them do well and even better to watch them because it is fast, dynamic, technical football that everyone likes.’
Pirlo also pointed out that PSG’s status as reigning champions gives them an additional psychological advantage. However, he acknowledged that Arsenal’s recent Premier League success adds another layer of complexity to the match.
‘It is set up well because PSG are the holders, while for Arsenal it is the first time [in the final] in 20 years but they come in having just won a Premier League. I make it 60-40 for Paris.’
While Pirlo leans towards PSG, not everyone shares the same view. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has placed his faith in the Gunners to end their long wait for European glory.
‘After winning the Premier League, Arsenal now have an amazing opportunity against Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s final,’ Merson told Historic Newspapers. He emphasized the importance of the first goal in a high-stakes match like this.
‘The first goal is going to be key. It’s a Champions League final, so it will be a cagey game – I can’t see PSG playing the flamboyant football they showed in the first leg of their semi-final against Bayern Munich. PSG will be worried about going 1-0 down to Arsenal, because they’ll know they’ll be up against it – they’ll be scared of losing the first goal.’
Merson believes that a cautious approach from PSG could work in Arsenal’s favor. He predicts a 1-0 victory for the Gunners, suggesting that if PSG adopt a more defensive strategy, Arsenal could capitalize on their opportunities.
‘A cagey game would suit Arsenal well. If PSG arrive with their gung-ho approach, then Arsenal could be in a bit of trouble, but if they play with a fear of going 1-0 down, then Arsenal are right in the game.’
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