PSG AGREE DEAL TO SIGN FERRAN TORRES FROM BARCELONA IN €50M TRANSFER

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Paris Saint-Germain have reached a definitive agreement with Barcelona to secure the services of Ferran Torres in a deal worth nearly €50 million. The Spanish international forward is now poised to move to the Parc des Princes, ending his tenure at the Camp Nou after four and a half years in Catalonia.

Luis Enrique reunites with Spanish forward

According to Mundo Deportivo, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have reached a total agreement for the transfer of Torres to the French champions. The 26-year-old forward is set to swap La Liga for Ligue 1 in a deal worth slightly less than €50 million, with the transfer fee consisting of a fixed amount and no additional performance-related variables included in the final package. The move will see Torres reunite with PSG head coach Luis Enrique, under whom he previously played during his time with the Spanish national team

.The move marks a significant shift for Torres, who has reportedly already agreed to the personal terms of a five-year contract with the Parisian giants. To facilitate the final stages of the move, the Valencian-born attacker requested permission from Barcelona via his representative to skip his scheduled return to training under Hansi Flick on Wednesday.

AFP

Financial relief for the Catalan giants

For Barcelona, the sale represents a vital injection of capital and a strategic piece of financial management. The €50 million fee is considered a highly acceptable figure for a player who was entering the final year of his contract. Torres originally joined the Blaugrana from Manchester City in January 2022 for a fee of €55 million plus an additional €10 million in potential add-ons.

Beyond the immediate transfer fee, the deal provides further economic benefits regarding the club's long-term obligations. Had Barcelona chosen to renew Torres' contract, they would have been triggered to pay an additional €8 million to Manchester City due to a specific clause inserted in his original purchase agreement.

Medical tests and final formalities

The final step in the process involves Torres undergoing a comprehensive medical assessment with the PSG staff. While the agreement is verbally binding between the presidents and sporting directors, the official confirmation remains subject to the successful completion of these physical tests.

Torres leaves Barcelona having recently played a key role on the international stage, most notably scoring in the World Cup final. His arrival in Paris will provide Enrique with a versatile attacking option capable of playing across the front three, reinforcing a squad that comes off a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday to lift the UEFA Super Cup.

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A trophy-laden legacy at Camp Nou

Torres leaves Barcelona following a memorable and trophy-laden spell, during which he helped the Catalan giants secure three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey. Across his time with the club, the Spanish forward made 207 appearances in all competitions, registering 65 goals and 23 assists.

- Khaled Mahmoud

FULL TROPHY PRESENTATION 🏆 | PSG RETAIN UEFA SUPER CUP AFTER DEFEATING ASTON VILLA

 

PSG TOP ASTON VILLA IN SALZBURG TO SUCCESSFULLY RETAIN UEFA SUPER CUP

 

Marquinhos (C) lifts the trophy with his teammates after PSG defeated Aston Villa to win the UEFA Super Cup at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria, August 12, 2026. /VCG

Champions League titleholder Paris Saint-Germain rubber-stamped its status as Europe's top club after edging Europa League winner Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, Austria, on Wednesday.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue found the net, sandwiched around a debut goal for Villa teenager Brian Madjo, as the Parisians retained the trophy they first won 12 months ago against another Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur.

Ahead of the start of their respective domestic campaigns, both coaches named relatively strong squads for this match.

PSG's starting lineup featured nine players that lifted the Champions League trophy against Arsenal in May, including Vitinha, Joao Neves and captain Marquinhos.

French left-back Lucas Digne, who officially signed a deal with the Parisians on Sunday, was on the bench against his former club.

Aston Villa rested World Cup campaigners Ezri Konsa, Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins, but coach Unai Emery handed debuts to midfielder Joao Gomes and striker Madjo.

Midfielder Boubacar Kamara also started for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury in January.

PSG boss Luis Enrique sent on World Cup winner Fabian Ruiz with a quarter of an hour remaining, helping PSG shore up the center of the pitch as Villa hunted for an equalizer.

The English side's best chance came inside the final 10 minutes but Tammy Abraham was, by the slimmest of margins, unable to reach Alysson's cutback inside the six-yard box.

The Qatar-backed Ligue 1 winner managed to hold on and enjoy a triumphant start to the new season, which they hope will end with a third consecutive UEFA Champions League crown.

- Source(s): AFP

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE V EUROPA LEAGUE: PSG FACE ASTON VILLA IN SUPER CUP

The UEFA Super Cup marks the beginning of competitive football for the 2026/27 season

It's champions v champions in the UEFA Super Cup
AFP

Dubai: Paris Saint-Germain will aim to retain their UEFA Super Cup title as they face Aston Villa on Wednesday 12 August at Stadion Salzburg in the traditional opening clash of the European season.

After beating Tottenham on penalties in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, the French champions secured their place in this year’s final by winning the Champions League for a second consecutive season, beating Arsenal in the final.

Now, having gone back-to-back in Europe’s premier club competition, they find themselves facing another north London side in the Super Cup final.

PSG won the 2025 Champions League while Villa won the Europa League
AFP

Aston Villa on the other hand, are looking for a second trophy in quick succession after their 3-0 win over Freiburg in the Europa League final ended a 30-year trophy drought.

How to watch

For fans in the UAE, the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa will be available live on beIN Sports, which holds the exclusive rights to UEFA’s club competitions across the MENA region through 2027.

Fans can watch via the beIN Sports TV channels or stream the match through the beIN SPORTS CONNECT service, with the exact channel listed on beIN’s TV guide.

PSG team news

Fabian Ruiz, Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Warren Zaire-Emery and Lucas Hernandez were handed extended time off after the World Cup, meaning they missed both of PSG’s pre-season friendlies.

The group has now returned to first-team training this week and travelled with the squad to Austria, giving Luis Enrique a full complement of players to choose from.

PSG's World Cup winner Fabian Ruiz will be available for selection
AFP-CARL RECINE

It remains to be seen whether Enrique will hand the returning players immediate starts against Aston Villa or opt to introduce them from the bench.

Captain Marquinhos is expected to feature from the outset alongside Portugal trio Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes, all of whom played 30 minutes in the recent friendly against Manchester United. Fellow World Cup stars Willian Pacho and Ibrahim Mbaye are also likely to start after featuring in both of PSG’s pre-season matches.

Lucas Digne could make his second PSG debut against his former side after the French club activated the £8.5million release clause in his Villa contract.

Aston Villa team news

World Cup medal winners Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins were all given extended time off and did not feature during Villa’s pre-season campaign.

Should the trio not be ready to start against PSG, Marco Bizot will remain in goal, with Victor Lindelof partnering Pau Torres in defence and Tammy Abraham leading the attack.

Villa will definitely be without Amadou Onana, who suffered an ACL injury to his right knee while representing Belgium at the World Cup. John McGinn is also a doubt after landing awkwardly on his left knee during the pre-season win over BG Pathum United.

Amadou Onana will be out for several months after suffering an ACL injury in the World Cup
AFP-DAVID RAMOS

Record signing Johan Manzambi remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained with Switzerland at the World Cup. However, new arrivals Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Gomes are both expected to make their competitive Villa debuts against PSG.

Ian Maatsen, meanwhile, is set to take over as Villa’s first-choice left-back following Digne’s departure, having struggled for regular starts last season.

- Robert Ilsley

UEFA SUPER CUP PREVIEW: PSG TAKE ON ASTON VILLA IN WEDNESDAY SHOWPIECE

 

August 11 – Paris Saint-Germain will face Aston Villa in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, as the annual European curtain-raiser returns, and the first opportunity of silverware along with it. 

The yearly summer meeting between the Champions League and Europa League winners brings together a PSG side chasing another trophy after back-to-back European titles and a Villa team attempting to land one of the biggest prizes of Unai Emery’s reign against the best side in world football. 

PSG retained the Champions League in May after edging Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Budapest, reinforcing their position at the head of the European game. 

Villa arrive after a similarly impressive continental campaign, crowned by a 3-0 Europa League final victory over Freiburg. 

The timing of the Super Cup may offer Villa an advantage. 

A key portion of PSG’s title-winning squad, namely Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé, Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, have only recently returned from the World Cup and consequential holiday period, leaving Luis Enrique with a selection headache over how heavily to lean on players short of preparation. 

PSG’s underlying approach is unlikely to change – with Vitinha expected to retain his role as the organiser at the base of midfield, João Neves providing the energy around him and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia giving the French champions a constant threat from the left after an entire summer of rest and recovery. 

Villa have had rebuilding to do this summer. 

Morgan Rogers departed for Chelsea in a €137 million transfer, Youri Tielemans joined Manchester United and Amadou Onana will be sidelined until the new year with a long-term ACL injury. 

New signing Alejandro Garnacho will be charged with filling the attacking gap, while midfield additions Johan Manzambi and João Gomes give Emery like-for-like – if unproven – replacements. 

There is also an immediate reunion for Lucas Digne, who moved from Villa to PSG this summer and could now face his former club in his first European showpiece of the season. 

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, there will be no extra time, with the trophy decided immediately by penalties. 

Referee Omar Artan will become the first non-European official to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup – an appointment that comes in the wake of a difficult summer for the Somalian. His World Cup ended before it had started when he was refused entry to the United States despite being selected as part of FIFA’s refereeing team. 

Artan, named African football’s referee of the year, has since been handed one of UEFA’s highest-profile early-season appointments. 

“When we got this call it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment. There’s a big Somali community in Europe and in Austria and they are over the moon with me officiating a match like this. I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can. Don’t ever stop dreaming,” he told UEFA. 

Reflecting on his World Cup disappointment, Artan added: “It was a very tough period. A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging.”

His appointment gives an already important fixture another layer. Tune in for the tie at 20:00 BST on Wednesday. 

- Harry Ewing,

ARSENAL ESTABLISH CONTACT FOR BRADLEY BARCOLA MOVE

Arsenal will attempt to sign 23-year-old French international Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this summer after being snubbed by Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Bradley Barcola is also the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are eager to bolster their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker in the ongoing transfer window, and they have their sights set on the 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger.

Per TEAMtalk, the Merseyside giants remain the front-runners in the battle for Barcola’s signature, even though Arsenal have contacted his camp to discuss a deal. Meanwhile, the report has added that PSG continue to hold out for €150 million to sell the Frenchman in the coming weeks.

Bradley Barcola and his time at PSG so far

Bradley Barcola has established himself as one of the world’s best young wingers since joining PSG from Lyon in August 2023. The 23-year-old hit the ground running at Parc des Princes, and he has made exponential progress in the last three seasons. Even though he has not been an undisputed first-choice starter, his pace, work rate, and technical ability have won him widespread recognition while making him a valued asset.

Barcola scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists in only 2,971 minutes of game time across 49 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 season. The French winger carried that form into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making his mark in France’s campaign. Meanwhile, his exploits have provoked interest from several high-profile clubs, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Bradley Barcola has been on Arsenal’s wishlist for several months. The continued interest makes logical sense, as the Gunners need a productive attacker on the left flank after Gabriel Martinelli’s struggles in the 2025/26 season. With Leandro Trossard joining Besiktas, Barcola is now a primary target, particularly in the wake of Vinicius Junior’s decision to sign a new deal with Real Madrid.

As for Liverpool, the Reds are preparing for life after Mohamed Salah, who has departed from Anfield this summer. While Victor Munoz has been signed to fill Luis Diaz’s void on the left flank, they need another wide attacker to fill the quality gap in the final third. With Cody Gakpo struggling to perform consistently, Barcola represents a potentially transformative addition to their offensive arsenal.

Meanwhile, reports have revealed PSG’s hard stance on Barcola’s price is making a summer deal difficult. However, with PSG holding firm on their €150 million asking price and Barcola reportedly eager to leave Parc des Princes, a summer move to the Premier League remains on the agenda.

- Keshav Awasty

REAL MADRID SET TO SIGN ONE OF THE WORLD'S HOTTEST TALENT AFTER $195M BID

 

Photo: Getty Images

Real Madrid look set to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande after Paris Saint-Germain withdrew from negotiations, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Diomande is one of the hottest properties in this transfer window, having starred for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, following a breakout season where he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in the Bundesliga.

Ornstein reports that Los Blancos had a bid rejected by Leipzig ‘around 10 days ago’ and returned with a new offer ‘worth €120million (A$195m, which includes a €100m (A$163m) fixed fee.’

The German outfit are reportedly yet to respond to that proposal, which is ‘expected to be turned down’, but the two clubs expect a deal will eventually be reached.

Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that a deal has been reached for a fee ‘in excess of €100m’.

He reports that Diomande will fly to Madrid this week for medical tests and to sign a five-year deal.

Real Madrid expected to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. 1st bid rejected ~10 days ago, 2nd (€100m fixed, €120m package) set to be rejected but agreement likely soon. #PSG out; 19yo returns to #RBLeipzig on Mon with wish to join #RMFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/xc6EPzjCdr — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 26, 2026

PSG were right in the mix to sign Diomande, who was said to be keen on joining the reigning Champions League winners, but were put off by the asking price and have now turned their attention to other options, amid reports Bradley Barcola is set to leave the club.

The Athletic report that Leipzig are ‘holding out for a fee closer to €130m (A$212m).

Should they achieve that, Diomande would become the eight most expensive player in football history, behind Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Alexander Isak, Morgan Rogers, Elliott Anderson and Philippe Coutinho, per Transfermarkt.

That would be quite extraordinary when you consider where the 19-year-old was just a few years ago.

It was barely 18 months ago that Diamonde was playing for DME Sports Academy in Florida, before joining LaLiga side Leganes, where he made three reserve team appearances before being called up to the first team.

Leipzig paid his €20m release clause to bring him to the Bundesliga, where he exploded immediately. They look set to make a huge profit on the winger.

He could become the most expensive Real Madrid player ever, surpassing the fee the Spanish giants paid to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, with the club set for an enormous transfer window having brought Jose Mourinho back as head coach.

They’ve already signed Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva, while reports suggest Madrid are also working on a deal to sign World Cup-winning Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City.

- JAKE ROSENGARTEN

YAN DIOMANDE MAKES FINAL TRANSFER DECISION AS REAL MADRID JOIN ARSENAL AND LIVERPOOL FOR £100M RB LEIPZIG STAR

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RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has outlined his transfer preference amid mounting interest from Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool. The £100m-rated Ivory Coast international impressed during a breakout season in Germany and at the 2026 World Cup, leaving him keen on a summer departure despite Leipzig's public stance that he is not for sale.

Diomande signals summer exit

Leipzig winger Diomande has reportedly made his final decision regarding his next destination amid a fierce transfer battle involving PSG, Liverpool, Arsenal and Madrid. According to The Athletic, Los Blancos have even opened direct negotiations with Leipzig to sign the £100 million-rated winger after he registered 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga and impressed in leading Ivory Coast to the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Despite Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer insisting the player is going nowhere, Diomande remains hopeful of finalising a move this summer.

Getty Images 

Winger outlines transfer stance

Asked about the speculation surrounding interest from Europe's elite during the World Cup, the young Ivorian star openly confirmed his expectation to leave Leipzig while leaving negotiations in his agent's hands.

Speaking to reporters, he stated: "First of all I think, like I said, my dream is playing for my country, and to make history with my country. I don't have Instagram anymore. I don't have TikTok as well, so I can't see anything! But I expect to leave, of course. And I have an agent, he's going to manage the rest. But for me, the most important thing right now is the focus on the World Cup with my country."

Meanwhile, regarding his boyhood club, Diomande previously told French media: "Paris Saint-Germain is a team I've loved since I was little. I think my father was a PSG supporter. It's a team I admire as a football fan."

Mourinho enters transfer race

A separate report from TEAMtalkclaims that Diomande's primary preference remains a move to PSG, though the winger is open to joining Madrid if the French giants fail to agree a fee with Leipzig. The race has intensified further after the Spanish giants, now led by new manager Jose Mourinho, entered the frame for the attacker as part of their squad overhaul. Elsewhere, Arsenal have also joined the pursuit after their attempt to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa ended in failure.

Getty Images 

Leipzig demand premium fee

Diomande has now returned to pre-season training with Leipzig following his post-World Cup break. PSG are expected to submit a formal offer swiftly to prevent Madrid or the Premier League duo from hijacking the deal for their top target. Leipzig hold a strong negotiating position and are adamant they will only part ways with their prized asset if a suitor meets his valuation.

- Adhe Makayasa

ESTIMATED CLUB EARNINGS | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2025/26

 

LUIS ENRIQUE REACTS TO HONESTLY TO ARSENAL TACTICS AFTER PSG WIN BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

PSG manager Luis Enrique, Champions League trophy

Luis Enrique gave his honest assessment of Arsenal’s tactics in their Champions League final defeat to PSG, while one reporter claims it’s now ‘inevitable’ the Gunners break their UCL duck.

Arsenal never really laid a glove on PSG in more than 120 minutes in Budapest. Thankfully, their crop of world class defenders ensured the Parisians struggled to craft much by the way of clear-cut chances either.

The Gunners defended manfully throughout the contest and in truth, it was the rearguard that gave Arsenal a sniff of glory by forcing a shoot-out.

Ultimately, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes failed to convert after failing to hit the target altogether with their spot-kicks.

It ensured Arsenal’s historic season that brought their first league title in over two decades ended on the sourest of notes, though one person who wasn’t prepared to stick the boot in was PSG boss Enrique.

Speaking post-match, the Spanish manager summed up his emotions when stating: “I’m mixed. Excitement, fatigue.

“Everything but this is the best moment of the season. We are still champions, two in a row, it’s amazing.

“We deserved that. Our supporters, during the whole season. We deserve to be in the final.”

Luis Enrique reacts to Arsenal tactics

On Arsenal’s style of play that centres on disruption, defending deep and in numbers, and is generally reliant on set piece goals, Enrique admitted his PSG side were suitably challenged.

“It was very tough and difficult,” he admitted. “Congratulations to Arsenal, it was very tough.

“They played great. It’s normal. They try to take the match into phases they are strong. We tried to control the ball and press. We have won the title.”

Enrique has now won back-to-back UCLs and has taken his tally in this competition to three after previously winning the tournament with Barcelona back in 2015.

But while some managers – a certain special one, perhaps? – might get carried away after this accomplishment, Enrique insisted he’s got no interest in blowing his own trumpet.

Asked whether he should now be considered a legendary manager, Enrique replied: “Legend? I’m not interested in that.”

Arsenal, meanwhile, will win the Champions League with this current crop of players and Mikel Arteta at the helm.

That’s according to French journalist, Julien Laurens, who declared during the post-match fallout: “It is cruel for Arsenal fans, but it is inevitable that this club win the Champions League.”

He added: “Mikel Arteta will see the positives because that is the kind of guy he is.

“Arsenal are getting closer and closer. This team adds a bit more attacking power and desire. This team can have everything. It will hurt tonight.”

- Steve Pearson

SOCCER WORLD REACTS TO PSG WINNING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL AGAINST ARSENAL

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Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title on Saturday, defeating Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout after the final finished 1-1 following extra time at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

The result made PSG only the second club to win back-to-back Champions League titles since the competition was reformatted in 1992, joining Real Madrid’s run of three consecutive crowns between 2016 and 2018. The French champions also became the 10th club in European Cup history to win consecutive titles.

Arsenal appeared on course for a historic victory after Kai Havertz gave the Premier League champions an early lead in the sixth minute. However, PSG responded in the second half when Ousmane Dembele converted a penalty after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled inside the box. The match eventually went to penalties, where Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães missed the decisive kick as PSG secured a 4-3 shootout victory.

Emmanuel Macron, Rio Ferdinand and Fans React to PSG’s Historic Triumph

The victory quickly sparked reactions from across the soccer world.

French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated PSG’s achievement on social media.

“A new star shines over Paris! Bravo to PSG for making all of Europe dream. France is proud,” Macron wrote.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also praised the French club and manager Luis Enrique after the final.

“Back to Back Champions Leagues… Congrats to PSG! Luis Enrique absolute genius 🏆,” Ferdinand posted.

He also acknowledged Arsenal’s effort during their domestic and European campaign.

“Shout out to Arsenal, brilliant season, changed the narrative. Gabriel an absolute rock & no shame when it comes down to penalties! Respect 👊🏽,” Ferdinand added.

Supporters also flooded social media following the final whistle.

One fan wrote: “Let’s go!!! Great games intense till the end!! Congrats.”

Another described the dramatic finish by saying: “Ice in their veins. PSG hold their nerve to defend their Champions League crown, while Arsenal endure absolute heartbreak at the death. What an unbelievable night in Budapest! 🏆🔥”

A third supporter praised the champions’ accomplishment.

“Well deserved. No team should win a champions league final through the back door. Arsenal almost succeeded 😅.”

Another fan highlighted PSG’s journey over the past two seasons.

“A tremendous achievement for PSG, who let their star players leave, won the hearts of fans around the world and came out on top. Two years in a row, and today was a tough one, because they were up against a defensive wall.”

ESPN Notes PSG’s Place in Champions League History

Paris Saint-Germain’s Spanish head coach Luis Enrique touches the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final. Getty

The final result also added another chapter to PSG’s growing European legacy.

ESPN Stats & Information highlighted the significance of the achievement shortly after the match concluded.

“PSG are back-to-back UEFA Champions League champions 🏆🏆,” ESPN posted.

The network added: “They become just the 2nd club to repeat as UCL winners, joining Real Madrid, who won three straight from 2016-18.”

ESPN also noted the broader historical context.

“Overall, PSG are the 10th club in European Cup history (since 1955-56) to win consecutive titles.”

The final itself was tightly contested.

Arsenal struck first through Havertz after a defensive mistake allowed the German forward to break through and finish from a narrow angle.

PSG pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half and finally found one when Dembélé converted from the penalty spot following a foul on Kvaratskhelia.

Neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the Champions League final to penalties for the first time since Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid in a shootout 10 years ago.

PSG ultimately held their nerve from the spot, completing another successful European campaign and becoming the first club since Real Madrid to retain the Champions League trophy.

For Arsenal, the search for a first European Cup title continues despite winning the Premier League and reaching their first Champions League final in two decades.

- Debayan Biswas

THE STAGE IS SET! | BUDAPEST 26 | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 🔥

 

LUIS ENRIQUE SENDS MIKEL ARTETA MESSAGE BEFORE PSG V ARSENAL FINAL SHOWDOWN

Champions League showpiece sees old friends and team-mates go head to head once again on biggest stage

Reuters

Luis Enrique is expecting a “difficult” test when Paris Saint-Germain come up against Arsenal in the Champions League final as he prepares to lock horns with long-time friend Mikel Arteta once more.

Holders PSG reached the showpiece fixture in European club football for the second season in a row on Wednesday night, with a 1-1 second-leg draw away against Bayern Munich in Germany enough to seal a 6-5 aggregate victory in the semi-finals having initially edged a nine-goal thriller 5-4 on home soil last week.

It set up a final showdown with Arsenal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, with the Gunners having secured their progress 24 hours earlier when Bukayo Saka’s late first-half goal sank Atletico Madrid 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate following a controversial 1-1 first-leg draw in Spain.

It will be a rematch of last season’s semi-final tie, which PSG won 3-1 on aggregate after a 1-0 away win in north London was followed by a tense 2-1 home triumph, before the Ligue 1 giants then lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time with a 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in Munich.

The game also sees Enrique once more go up against Arteta, a former team-mate at Barcelona with whom he has stayed in touch ever since their paths first crossed at the Camp Nou in the late 1990s.

Arteta spoke at length before last season’s Champions League semi-finals on his great admiration for Enrique and the support he showed him when he was trying to break through as a youngster at Barca, also hailing his coaching exploits and character, calling his fellow Spaniard an “unbelievable personality”.

Arteta said then: “For me, he’s one of the best coaches in the world and someone who helped me a huge amount. I have the utmost respect both for how he is as a person and his way of working.”

Such warm respect is clearly reciprocated by Enrique, who praised the job Arteta has done at Arsenal as he predicted a tough challenge in the final - but expressed his confidence in PSG’s attacking style to get the job done.

“I appreciate Mikelito Arteta!” Enrique said after PSG squeezed past Bayern, per Fabrizio Romano. “We used to be team-mates when we were kids, he did a great job at Arsenal.

“It will be a difficult, hard game but we believe in our football style.”

- GEORGE FLOOD

VINCENT KOMOANY FUMES AT 'RIDICULOUS' HANDBALL CALLS THAT LED TO BAYERN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT

Imago/Ulmer/Teamforo

Vincent Kompany unleashed a blistering attack on the officiating after Bayern Munich’s Champions League dreams were ended by Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgian tactician watched his side fall to a 6-5 aggregate defeat at the Allianz Arena, but the post-match talk was dominated by two massive handball calls that went against the Bavarian giants.

AFP

Vitinha smashes ball against Neves' arm

Bayern Munich’s elimination from the Champions League semi-finals following a tense 1-1 draw on the night was overshadowed by a series of controversial decisions. With a spot in the final against Arsenal on the line, the tension boiled over as the German side felt they were denied clear advantages.

The most debated moment arrived when Vitinha’s attempted clearance struck the outstretched arm of teammate Joao Neves inside the PSG box. Despite the Bayern players surrounding referee Joao Pinheiro in protest, no penalty was awarded. The decision stood because the current Laws of the Game protect players from handball calls when the ball is struck onto them by a teammate from close range, provided no immediate goal is scored. It was a bitter pill for Bayern to swallow, especially given the soft penalty they conceded in the first leg.

Getty Images Sport

Kompany hits out at 'ridiculous' handball rule

The Bayern Munich manager did not hold back after seeing his side dumped out of the competition, questioning the "common sense" of the officials monitoring the high-stakes clash.

“We have to look at some of the phases that were decided by the officials across the two games which… it’s never an excuse for everything but it matters,” Kompany said in his post-match assessment. “If we look at both legs probably too much went against us. The guys gave everything and we tried against a fantastic PSG team. [Joao Neves’] hand is in the air, it hits it. Because it’s from his own teammate it’s not a penalty. But if you look at both [situations], a little bit of common sense and it’s just ridiculous. Whatever needs to happen but it’s ridiculous. It doesn’t tell the whole game but it’s a one-goal game in the end.”

Nuno Mendes escapes red card

Kompany’s frustration was heavily compounded by an earlier flashpoint involving PSG defender Nuno Mendes, when the Portuguese international appeared to handle the ball deliberately to stop a Bayern attack. Already on a yellow card, Mendes seemed destined to be sent off. Instead, the referee awarded a free-kick to the visitors for an earlier infringement.

It was a moment that left the home crowd incensed. Bayern were already chasing the game against 11 men after Ousmane Dembele had given PSG the lead after just 141 seconds, and they firmly believed they deserved a numerical advantage. Commenting on the incident, Kompany suggested the official bottled a monumental decision: “I felt he pulled out because he realised he already gave him a yellow and he didn’t want to send him off for that.”

- Muhammad Zaki

POST-MATCH ANALYSIS | BAYERN MÜNCHEN VS. PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL

 

BAYERN MUNICH VS. PSG | 1-1 (5-6) | POST MATCH ANALYSIS

 

FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN VS. PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN | SECOND LEG | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS BAYERN MUNICH [5-4] - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG 2025/2026 - TACTICAL ANALYSIS

Paris Saint-Germain hosted Bayern Munich for the first leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League semi-final at Parc des Princes.

Widely gaining popularity as one of the most entertaining games in football history, this fixture had it all, with the hosts edging past their competitors with a 5-4 win.

PSG and Bayern have two of the most ruthless attacking trios in Europe this season, as evidenced by the quality, speed, and effectiveness of their attacking moves on the night.

Both sides, on several occasions, opened up their opponents with ease, which made for a nerve-wracking game overall.

Through this tactical analysis, we aim to discuss Paris Saint-Germain’s and Bayern Munich’s approach to the game, areas both sides struggled in, and find out where Bayern can hurt PSG in the second leg.

Paris Saint-Germain Vs Bayern Munich Lineups & Formations

Let's look at how Luis Enrique and Vincent Kompany fielded their squads.

PSG Lineup Vs Bayern Munich

PSG played in a 4-3-3 formation.

Matvey Safonov started between the sticks.

The back four were Achraf Hakimi (right-back), skipper Marquinhos (right centre-back), Willian Pacho (left centre-back), and Nuno Mendes (left-back).

The latter was replaced by Lucas Hernández (84’).

João Neves, Vitinha, and Warren Zaïre-Emery were the midfield three.

The latter was substituted by Fabián Ruiz at the 64th minute.

Désiré Doué (right) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (left) were the two wingers, with Ousmane Dembélé as the striker.

Bradley Barcola came on for Doué (70’) and Senny Mayulu for Kvaratskhelia (84’).

Bayern Munich Lineup Vs PSG

Bayern played in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Skipper Manuel Neuer started in goal.

Josip Stanišić (right-back), Dayot Upamecano (right centre-back), Jonathan Tah (left centre-back), and Alphonso Davies (left-back) were the back four.

Konrad Laimer replaced the latter at 46 minutes.

Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović played as the double pivot.

The latter made way for Nicolas Jackson (90’ +3).

Michael Olise (right) and Luis Díaz (left) were the two wingers, with Jamal Musiala as the attacking midfielder.

Musiala came off for Leon Goretzka (79’).

Harry Kane played as the lone striker.

Paris Saint-Germain & Bayern Munich Style Of Play

PSG and Bayern share similar identities in their approach to the game.

Both sides are brilliant examples of total football, showcasing frequent positional rotations both in and out of possession.

An example: Vitinha, a centre-midfielder, operates in the wide channel.

He attracts multiple opponents before moving the ball to the half-space.

Meanwhile, the winger moves into the half-space.

For Bayern, Kane frequently dropped deep into midfield to offer an additional option for progression.

Whenever the centre-backs followed him, other teammates exploited the space higher up the pitch.

This was the case with Bayern’s defenders as well.

During a build-up situation for PSG, both Bayern centre-backs (Upamecano and Tah) follow an opponent each deep into the mid-third, while Stanisić also follows an opponent in the half-space.

With defenders from both sides jumping in this manner, there were multiple instances when they delayed the opposition’s progression or even won the ball.

However, there were also scenarios where the opponent bypassed the pressure and went straight to a counterattack.

- Vedant Kharakwal

IT WAS A THRILLER 🔥 | PSG 5-4 FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS

 

PSG VS. FC BAYERN | CRAZY GAME 😲 | POST MATCH ANALYSIS