Arsenal’s Historic Journey to the Champions League Final
After a 20-year wait, Arsenal have finally made it to the Champions League final. This marks a significant milestone in the club’s history and sets the stage for an exciting showdown against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Gunners will now face the reigning champions in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
Arsenal’s last appearance in the Champions League final was back in 2006 when they faced a pre-Guardiola Barcelona team. Despite goalkeeper Jens Lehmann being sent off after just 18 minutes, the team managed to take a 1-0 lead through Sol Campbell’s header from Thierry Henry’s free-kick. However, Barcelona staged a comeback with goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti in the final 15 minutes, securing a 2-1 victory.
This time around, Mikel Arteta has led Arsenal to the final, echoing the success of his predecessor Arsene Wenger. Bukayo Saka’s goal on the stroke of half-time in the semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium proved decisive as Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate. Their journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing their resilience and determination.
PSG’s Path to the Final
PSG’s route to the final has been equally impressive. They finished 11th in the league phase, but their knockout phase performances have been exceptional. In the semi-finals, PSG faced Bayern Munich in one of the most thrilling matches in Champions League history. The first leg saw PSG win 5-4, and they secured a 6-5 aggregate victory after a 1-1 draw in the second leg. Ousmane Dembele’s early goal in the second leg was enough to send them through, despite Harry Kane’s injury-time equaliser.
Key Details About the Final
The Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG is scheduled to take place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Saturday, 30 May, with a kick-off time of 5pm BST (6pm local time). This is a change from previous years when the match would typically start at 8pm BST. UEFA cited the need to enhance the fan experience and optimise logistics such as public transport as reasons for the earlier start.
How to Watch the Final
In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 from 7pm BST. A live stream will also be available via HBO Max and the HBO app. Notably, this will be the first time since the European Cup rebranded to the Champions League in 1992 that the final won’t be free to watch in the UK.
In the United States, the match will be broadcast in English on CBS and streamed live on Paramount+. Spanish-language coverage is available on Univision and TUDN, which can also be streamed via Fubo.
Pre-Match Coverage
TNT Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of the final, including a pre-match show featuring the band The Killers headlining the entertainment. Previous finals have seen artists like Linkin Park and Lenny Kravitz perform, adding to the excitement of the event.
Matchday Schedule
- TNT Sports 1 from 10:30–12:30 BST: A live show featuring guests such as Jack Wilshere, Joe Cole, Steve McManaman, Martin Keown, Dara O’Briain, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Alex Brooker, Piers Morgan, and Matt Smith.
- Arsenal vs Paris Saint Germain, TNT Sports 1, kick-off at 17:00 BST: Live coverage with presenters Laura Woods, pundits Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, Martin Keown, and Jack Wilshere, commentators Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist, and reporters Jules Breach and Danny Jamieson.
Arsenal’s Route to the Final
- League Phase: Finished 1st
- MD 1: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
- MD 2: Arsenal 2-0 Olympiakos
- MD 3: Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid
- MD 4: Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
- MD 5: Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
- MD 6: Club Brugge 0-3 Arsenal
- MD 7: Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal
MD 8: Arsenal 3-2 Kairat
Last 16
- 1st Leg: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
- 2nd Leg: Arsenal 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Aggregate: Arsenal 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Quarter-Final
- 1st Leg: Sporting 0-1 Arsenal
- 2nd Leg: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Aggregate: Arsenal 1-0 Sporting
Semi-Final
- 1st Leg: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal
- 2nd Leg: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid
- Aggregate: Arsenal 2-1 Atletico Madrid
PSG’s Route to the Final
- League Phase: Finished 11th
- MD 1: PSG 4-0 Atalanta
- MD 2: Barcelona 1-2 PSG
- MD 3: Bayer Leverkusen 2-7 PSG
- MD 4: PSG 1-2 Bayern Munich
- MD 5: PSG 5-3 Tottenham
- MD 6: Athletic Bilbao 0-0 PSG
- MD 7: Sporting 2-1 PSG
MD 8: PSG 1-1 Newcastle
Knockout Phase Play-Offs
- 1st Leg: Monaco 2-3 PSG
- 2nd Leg: PSG 2-2
Aggregate: PSG 5-4 Monaco
Last 16
- 1st Leg: PSG 5-2 Chelsea
- 2nd Leg: Chelsea 0-3 PSG
Aggregate: PSG 8-2 Chelsea
Quarter-Final
- 1st Leg: PSG 2-0 Liverpool
- 2nd Leg: Liverpool 0-2 PSG
Aggregate: PSG 4-0 Liverpool
Semi-Final
- 1st Leg: PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich
- 2nd Leg: Bayern Munich 1-1 PSG
- Aggregate: PSG 6-5 Bayern Munich
As the final approaches, fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a memorable match. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, there’s something for everyone in this highly anticipated clash.
