epa12081989 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (R) of PSG in action against Bukayo Saka (L) of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC, in Paris, France, 07 May 2025. EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON (MaxPPP TagID: epaliveeight242092.jpg) [Photo via MaxPPP]
The highly anticipated Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal kicks off at an unusual hour this Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know to catch the action live.
When and where to watch the PSG vs Arsenal final
The showcase event between the reigning European champions and the freshly crowned Premier League winners will take place at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. Unlike most finals, this match starts at 6 PM local time, a departure from the usual evening kickoffs.
Fans in France can tune in to M6 for free-to-air coverage, while Canal+ will also broadcast the match, maintaining its role as the primary broadcaster for the competition.
PSG’s quest for back-to-back glory
Paris Saint-Germain enters the match as the defending champions, aiming to become the first team in a decade to secure consecutive Champions League titles. The road to the final has been anything but smooth for Luis Enrique’s side. A shaky group stage—where they finished 11th—forced them to navigate a playoff against AS Monaco just to remain in the competition.
However, the Parisians found their rhythm in the knockout rounds, delivering standout performances. Impressive wins over Chelsea (8-2) and Liverpool (4-0) showcased their offensive firepower, culminating in a dramatic 6-4 victory over Bayern Munich in the semifinals. Key players like Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been instrumental in their campaign.
Arsenal’s historic return to the final
Arsenal, on the other hand, is chasing a first-ever Champions League trophy. The English side last reached the final in 2006, falling short against FC Barcelona at the Stade de France. Two decades later, Mikel Arteta’s squad arrives as Premier League champions, ending a 22-year title drought in England.
The Gunners have built their success on a rock-solid defense, conceding just 29 goals in the league this season. Their balanced approach—combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing—has made them a formidable opponent. Arsenal’s journey to Budapest included victories over top European sides, proving their resilience and tactical discipline.
Two contrasting paths to the final
This matchup represents more than just a clash of titans; it’s a collision of contrasting narratives. PSG seeks to cement its status as a European powerhouse by securing back-to-back titles, while Arsenal aims to etch its name into football history by winning its first Champions League.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For the Parisians, a win would validate their transformation into a consistent elite force. For Arsenal, it’s the ultimate reward after years of rebuilding under Arteta, who has instilled a winning mentality and tactical maturity in the team.
With both squads boasting world-class talent and tactical acumen, football fans worldwide are in for a treat. The unusual kickoff time only adds to the intrigue, ensuring this final will be one to remember.
