(Enrique is looking to land a second successive Champions League trophy for PSG while Arteta is on the verge of winning a maiden title for the Gunners in Europe’s elite club competition.
| Photo Credit: AFP
Luis Enrique vs. Mikel Arteta; Paris vs. London; Ligue 1 title-holder vs. Premier League winner; Paris Saint-Germain vs. Arsenal.
The battle for continental supremacy is around the corner, and these two European giants are the last pair standing in the quest for the UEFA Champions League crown.
Ashley Westwood, who turned Kerala Blasters’ ISL campaign north as interim head coach, believes Saturday’s final “will be a bonus game” for both domestic champions.
“They’ve got nothing to lose as they’ve had the fortune of winning their leagues. That has released the shackles. It’s a bonus game after the season,” Westwood told The Hindu during a virtual interaction on Thursday.
“There’s no pressure (unlike when) you’ve lost the league and have to win the Champions League to ensure you’ve had a successful season. The league’s the hardest thing to win as it’s across a lot more games.”
The Englishman believes Arsenal should stick with its compact set-up against PSG.
“The more expansive Arsenal tries to be, the more dangerous PSG would become. If anything, Arsenal may be even more defensive. They’re not going to sit right back on the edge of the box. But they will defend in sevens and eights. They won’t push a high press, and will stay nice and pragmatic.”
On the Gunners’ propensity to convert from free-kicks, Westwood added: “Arsenal does have a great success rate on set-pieces. But to get set-pieces, you have to attack. There’s no point defending for 90 minutes because the ball won’t enter the opposition’s penalty area. And you may not be able to get your set-pieces. So, Arsenal will still try to impose themselves.”
Will the upcoming FIFA World Cup cause players to hold back? Not a chance, says Westwood. “Being in a Champions League final is rare. You have a better chance of winning a European Cup final than a World Cup final”.
(Watch the UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal on Saturday from 9.30 p.m. IST live on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD and Sony LIV).
Published – May 28, 2026 06:12 pm IST