Paris Saint-Germain has booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final for the second season in a row, setting up a showdown with Arsenal. The French club secured its passage by overcoming Bayern Munich in a tense semi-final second leg.
The decisive moment came early. Just three minutes into the match, Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made a powerful run down the left flank. His precise cut-back pass found Ousmane Dembélé in space, and the French winger finished clinically to give PSG a crucial away goal. Bayern managed to equalize deep into stoppage time, but the 1-1 draw was enough for PSG to progress 6-5 on aggregate, thanks to their 5-4 victory in the first leg.
Following the match, Kvaratskhelia was instrumental in the celebrations and shared his thoughts on the achievement. He highlighted the importance of the early goal, noting that he spotted Dembélé unmarked and delivered the pass, praising his teammate's excellent finish. The winger expressed immense pride in both Dembélé and the entire squad for their fighting spirit and team cohesion throughout the difficult contest.
Looking ahead to the final, Kvaratskhelia acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion. He described the upcoming match against Arsenal as a potential "game of a lifetime" and vowed to give everything for the club. He recognized Arsenal as one of the best teams currently, admitting the semi-final against Bayern was their toughest test of the season. However, he emphasized that PSG proved they can compete with the elite.
The Georgian international also outlined the team's mindset for the final. He stressed the importance of respecting every opponent but focusing primarily on implementing their own style of play. Rather than overthinking the opposition, the plan is to prepare thoroughly and leave everything on the pitch. He expressed a desire to simply enjoy the experience of a Champions League final.
PSG's record against English clubs this season provides a confidence boost. In the knockout stages, they have faced Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, accumulating five wins and one draw from six matches. Furthermore, they have recent history with Arsenal, having met in last season's Champions League and holding a 2-1 advantage from three encounters.
The Champions League final is scheduled to kick off on May 31st at 1:00 AM Japan Standard Time. Based on reporting from サッカーキング.