Psg vs Arsenal: player ratings as Paris secures back-to-back Champions League titles

Paris Saint-Germain has successfully defended their European crown, clinching a second consecutive Champions League trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal. While Ousmane Dembélé provided the vital spark to level the score, Joao Neves delivered a tireless performance in the heart of the midfield. Here is an analysis of how the Parisian squad performed on this historic night.

Matveï Safonov: 5

The goalkeeper was left with little chance on Kai Havertz’s opening goal, which came from point-blank range. He showed immense bravery during a collision in the 26th minute and remained alert in the second half, making several crucial interventions, including a decisive save in the 74th minute.

Achraf Hakimi: 5

Demonstrating that his recent injury is behind him, the fullback engaged in numerous high-intensity sprints throughout the early stages. However, he found it difficult to create clear-cut opportunities from his position on the right wing.

Marquinhos: 5

A lapse in concentration and a poor clearance from the captain led directly to Arsenal’s opening goal in the 6th minute. The Brazilian defender had a fluctuating performance, alternating between quiet spells and moments of veteran leadership that helped settle the nerves during the final pressure cooker minutes.

Willian Pacho: 4

Though he failed to track back in time for the English side’s goal, the Ecuadorian defender was otherwise solid in the air. His performance was marred by a few lapses in focus during the second half, though he managed to maintain a decent level of play overall.

Nuno Mendes: 5

The Portuguese international struggled to impose himself offensively during the first half, frequently losing out in physical battles and lacking his usual technical precision. He looked much more dangerous and decisive after the interval.

Vitinha: 5

Like much of the team, he started the match on the back foot. While he eventually managed to dictate some of the tempo, he was less influential than in previous outings. He did come close to scoring in the second half with a powerful strike that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Joao Neves: 7

A true warrior on the pitch, Neves contested every single ball with ferocity. He was the standout performer in the midfield trio, winning the majority of his duels and proving his importance by being the only midfielder to play the entire duration of the match.

Fabian Ruiz: 6

The Spaniard delivered a characteristically disciplined performance. His positioning was consistently accurate, his passing was reliable, and he provided a necessary physical presence in the center of the park.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: 5

Initially kept quiet by Mosquera, he eventually forced his marker into a mistake to win a crucial penalty. Aside from that moment, he struggled to consistently threaten the well-organized Arsenal backline and was the first attacking player to be substituted by the manager.

Ousmane Dembélé: 6

While he wasn’t always found in the best positions, his clinical nature from the penalty spot was the defining moment of his game. He showed great composure to convert under immense pressure when the stakes were at their highest.

Désiré Doué: 7

He was the most consistent threat in the Parisian attack, nearly providing an assist for Ruiz as early as the 13th minute. His constant dribbling and directness kept the defense on edge, and he capped off an impressive display with a very composed penalty.

Bradley Barcola: 5

Introduced to provide depth and pace, he nearly made an immediate impact upon entering the pitch. However, his influence waned as the game progressed and clear opportunities became scarce.

Luis Enrique: 5

The coach’s decision to start Hakimi proved to be a sound one. He spent the majority of the evening on the touchline barking instructions at a defensive unit that appeared to be under significant strain throughout the contest.