UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Season

[Accardo]

It seems you're undermining Arsenal despite their defensive records of the just concluded season. Paris Saint Germaine is a high scoring team, we saw how many goals they scored in each of their games in the knockout stages but couldn't manage to score from open play against Arsenal. If they had not gotten that penalty, I think the game would've finished in victory for the North London club.

That was my initial thought at the end of the finals, but on the second thought, I changed my perspective about that game, realizing how tough the second half was for Arsenal, they were being suffocated, added to the referees biased officiating, which is much of a big factor to why Arsenal conceded a goal, but on a leveled play ground, PSG will equalize that game, regardless of Arsenal's defensive prowess. I understand your angle of judgement, but PSG worked really hard to decipher Arteta's defense line, and saw a way through, this conversation is happening because it came from a penalty.

[DanWalker]

Effective ball possession is enhanced by scoring goals, but if you only have possession and struggle to penetrate the opponent's defense, it's nothing special and can still be considered a failure. In football, the key is to score goals and win. Even if your team has limited possession but manages to capitalize on several chances and score, that's better than having possession without scoring.

The main target in football is to score goals and win. Sometimes it is possible to win a match by having the ball and playing defensively. But if they  can not score even after having the ball and they lose the match, then there is no point in showing such dominance in the match. Arsenal play defensively. They want to control the match by having the ball. Such a strategy works quite well when they  are not facing strong teams. Such a strategy is not very effective against strong attacking teams.

[SatoPrincess]

The Penalty foul aside, Arsenal wouldn't have defeated PSG, the odds was against them from all angle, PSG was sure of scoring Arsenal in the second half, the only thing is that the goal came through a penalty. That is why spectators would assume that the Paris side was lucky.

It seems you're undermining Arsenal despite their defensive records of the just concluded season. Paris Saint Germaine is a high scoring team, we saw how many goals they scored in each of their games in the knockout stages but couldn't manage to score from open play against Arsenal. If they had not gotten that penalty, I think the game would've finished in victory for the North London club.

Agreed. Arsenal’s defence was locked tight, far better than Bayern Munich. Some people have suggested that if Arsenal had attacked more, they could have won. But I don’t do ifs, buts or maybes…I do absolutes. And the fact is Arsenal had a better chance at winning the game playing the way they did, they were just unlucky to lose the penalties.

[Adbitco]

Arsenal, lol. In 2006 they scored first against Barcelona in the first half and fans were already celebrating forgetting there's second half and boom they didn't win the competition. Fast forward to 20 years later, they enter their second ever finals, they scored first half again, the fans went gaga and started celebrating again, boom they lost the trophy once again for the second time in a row, with this same pattern, Arsenal fans will have to wait till 2046 before they will witness another champions league finals. They still remain the only team to be unbeaten without winning the trophy, they have their own personal record of also becoming the team to play the most matches in the competition without winning it.

I know you are also trying to be sarcastic about the facts you’re bringing and I won’t say anything about it but it just yet. What makes it painful and annoying for many Arsenal supporters is in both scenarios you have given where the team showed enough quality to believe they could actually win the trophy scoring first in both champions leagues final which naturally rises expectations and fans made the fans to be celebrating with the hope the trophy is just within the reach. I know you already know it is not a good record to say Arsenal is the only unbeaten team not to win the competition and having played so many matches without lifting the trophy but just being sarcastic about it.

Not at all, it's not sarcasm but facts, Arsenal has played a total of 255 UEFA Champions League matches so far, including the just concluded Champions League finals against PSG last month. Among all the teams to have played more matches than Arsenal, Real Madrid who has the most appearance in the competition has won it, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus, Benfica, Milan, Porto, they have played more matches than Arsenal in the competition and they all have one thing in common which is having lifted the Champions League trophy. Arsenal comes next in terms of appearances and they haven't won it which earned them this record of being the team with the appearance in the competition without winning it. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest has lesser appearance compared to Arsenal in the competition and they have all won it at one point or the other.

[wakier]

Goals are far more important than ball possession. Arsenal was playing a defensive games that was what led to the penalty and aside that psg may have end up scoring that goal if not for the foul that was committed by Arsenal player.

Paris Saint-Germain didn't play better, ball possession doesn't mean anything, never once are matches won by the teams that have more ball possession, it's a fact that doesn't affect the match, but there were certainly opportunities on both sides, and let's say that everyone was expecting Paris Saint-Germain to crush Arsenal.

Indeed, sometimes ball possession cannot affect a team victory because the most important thing is not only playing to control the ball but playing by playing smart tactics there are many players who do not rely on ball possession but they can still win the match the most important thing is to maintain a strong defense even if the opposing team makes a lot of tackles at least there is still something that can be expected from a team defense while what PSG did actually cannot be considered a victory but they were lucky when the penalty shootout historically PSG and Arsenal drew.

[Zanab247]

Of course, the more you push forward, the more you push, sooner or later pressing into the opponent's defense or you make a hole or they simply make a mistake and get a foul.
In my opinion, this happens when you put a lot of pressure on the defense, like any good self-respecting attack, i dare say.

The Penalty foul aside, Arsenal wouldn't have defeated PSG, the odds was against them from all angle, PSG was sure of scoring Arsenal in the second half, the only thing is that the goal came through a penalty. That is why spectators would assume that the Paris side was lucky.

For a club not to lose a single game from the tournament till they got to final stage, and some people are saying that Arsenal is stronger than PSG, which is not true. I watch the champion league final stage through out and PSG have the high ball possession, and ball on target than Arsenal which many people know the reason why the game enter penalty shootout, because Arsenal players were playing defending game from the beginning till penalty shootout.

The most important thing people what to see in any competition is a victory which is what PSG achieved to lifted the champion league trophy to rank their coach and the club this season.

[cxtreenal]

Goals are far more important than ball possession. Arsenal was playing a defensive games that was what led to the penalty and aside that psg may have end up scoring that goal if not for the foul that was committed by Arsenal player.

Paris Saint-Germain didn't play better, ball possession doesn't mean anything, never once are matches won by the teams that have more ball possession, it's a fact that doesn't affect the match, but there were certainly opportunities on both sides, and let's say that everyone was expecting Paris Saint-Germain to crush Arsenal.

Indeed, sometimes ball possession cannot affect a team victory because the most important thing is not only playing to control the ball but playing by playing smart tactics there are many players who do not rely on ball possession but they can still win the match the most important thing is to maintain a strong defense even if the opposing team makes a lot of tackles at least there is still something that can be expected from a team defense while what PSG did actually cannot be considered a victory but they were lucky when the penalty shootout historically PSG and Arsenal drew.

If a team has possession of the ball for a significant period of time in a match, it means that they are capable of controlling the match. If the opposing team's defense is too strong, they will not be able to gain an advantage even if they maintain possession of the ball. The match between PSG and Arsenal was a reflection of this. Arsenal were leading by one goal almost at the beginning of the match and they played conservatively for most of the rest of the match, but the confident PSG were aggressive and scored a goal in the 65 minute of the match to equalize. Arsenal played well defensively but they lost to PSG on penalties.

[Merit.s]

Having much of the ball is not that important if you are not making proper use of it, because in that finals PSG where by far the dominance team in possession, but they struggle to break into the defense of arsenal in the whole 120minutes, so the possession statistics were useless, because if not for the penalty that they won and eventually scored in the process, arsenal would have shut them out even though they had 75% of the ball comparing to arsenal 25%. So what am trying to say is that if you can't make proper use of it, then it's useless.

It happened like that because all through the first 60 minutes after Arsenal took the lead five minutes after kick off time, they were busy playing a defensive game believing that they can defend that only goal till the end of the game but PSG isn't a team that you can play park the bus pattern with because they have aggressive attackers who are hungry for goals. Arsenal should have come out and play the ball.

[knowngunman]

It seems you're undermining Arsenal despite their defensive records of the just concluded season. Paris Saint Germaine is a high scoring team, we saw how many goals they scored in each of their games in the knockout stages but couldn't manage to score from open play against Arsenal. If they had not gotten that penalty, I think the game would've finished in victory for the North London club.

A goal is a goal, no matter how it is being scored. How you play is just for the fun of the game but what really matter is the number of goal you scored. That is what gives you point, not your defensive style or attacking style. PSG got that penalty and it changed everything.

We may argue that Arsenal defense worked but the panalty erased their efforts. Penalties don't appear out of tin air, it's usually from sustained pressure. PSG pressure on Arsenal forces error that led to penalty.

[Pandu Geddon]

I think it is possible that mentally, PSG players are better at penalty shootouts. They won the Champions League trophy last season, and when they faced a deadlock against Arsenal, they eventually managed to equalize. That makes me think the players' mentality is better than Arsenal's players in penalty shootouts.

I agree with your point on this, penalty shootouts, tacticality and attack are the best features of psg but for arsenal they have only defense as their ultimate game play, they are not good at goal scoring and penality shootouts compared to psg. Now that arsenal are in form they need to start working on themselves because if they don't improve they might not have the same opportunity again for the long time.

Every team will improve its performance for the new season. They will come with new strength and new competition as well. Their opponents are also strong European teams, and they are not complacent with their achievements and continue to improve their performance. Arsenal will still be able to compete next season if they remain consistent and improve their performance. Next season, I think it will not be easy for either Arsenal or PSG in the Champions League.

[Tmoonz]

I think it is possible that mentally, PSG players are better at penalty shootouts. They won the Champions League trophy last season, and when they faced a deadlock against Arsenal, they eventually managed to equalize. That makes me think the players' mentality is better than Arsenal's players in penalty shootouts.

I agree with your point on this, penalty shootouts, tacticality and attack are the best features of psg but for arsenal they have only defense as their ultimate game play, they are not good at goal scoring and penality shootouts compared to psg. Now that arsenal are in form they need to start working on themselves because if they don't improve they might not have the same opportunity again for the long time.

Well after that shootout I said to myself that arsenal did not prepare for penalty, which is feel should be part of their plan since they were planning to play like underdog in they game. They really did well in defending and messed it all up at the shootout, for me I was not expecting Gabriel to take a shoot that ealry, maybe after the first five. Well it all in the past now and a good sportsman will be preparing for another campaign already.
Arsenal have shown that they have what it takes to challenge at the highest level now they just need to build on that and try to be more challenging when they are in that position anytime again.

To me I'd say let by gone be by gone, because it's in the past now, what has happened has happened nothing can change that fact, but I wouldn't say Arsenal didn't plan for any shootout, judging from what they played from the beginning to the end, even after Paris Saint Germain equalize the goal, they were still at the back defending, my thoughts was they actually came for a penalty shootout, because looking at the team they've got some nice penalty takers, and a good goal keeper, so the odd was actually on their side in that shootout, but I was surprised to see them lose the game, but it's all good because I quite like it that way, Smiles.

[Humblevirus]

Having much of the ball is not that important if you are not making proper use of it, because in that finals PSG where by far the dominance team in possession, but they struggle to break into the defense of arsenal in the whole 120minutes, so the possession statistics were useless, because if not for the penalty that they won and eventually scored in the process, arsenal would have shut them out even though they had 75% of the ball comparing to arsenal 25%. So what am trying to say is that if you can't make proper use of it, then it's useless.

Yes, that is the fact about football. Having much control of the ball without it leading to goals does not mean anything, and that is what many people hardly understand. They often feel that teams with more ball possession are the better teams, but what they need to understand is that winning games is all about tactics.It is very possible that if Arsenal had played the same attacking pattern as PSG in that final, Arsenal could have conceded many goals before the 90 minutes were up, and the match might not even have gone into extra time.

Arsenal had been playing that possession style in previous seasons, but they did not use it to achieve anything significant. However, this season, when Arteta introduced more defensive tactics, Arsenal were able to win their domestic league and reach the Champions League final. They also played better because they managed to hold the game to a draw, which eventually led to a penalty shootout.Therefore, the best approach for every team is to play the style that suits them best and gives them the greatest chance of victory.

[Creeper0]

To me I'd say let by gone be by gone, because it's in the past now, what has happened has happened nothing can change that fact, but I wouldn't say Arsenal didn't plan for any shootout, judging from what they played from the beginning to the end, even after Paris Saint Germain equalize the goal, they were still at the back defending, my thoughts was they actually came for a penalty shootout, because looking at the team they've got some nice penalty takers, and a good goal keeper, so the odd was actually on their side in that shootout, but I was surprised to see them lose the game, but it's all good because I quite like it that way, Smiles.

The exception to Arsenal's plan was the penalty, after leading by 1 goal, just one penalty forced Arsenal to change their entire plan. If that penalty had not happened, they might have succeeded in their plan and the Champions League title would have been theirs. However, that is in the past, there is nothing to be done now.

They must strengthen the team to win the title next season, especially in attack, they must add some players who are very good at counter-attacking. Arsenal must have the ability to score multiple goals in a match to win the title. Winning a match with a 1-goal lead is very risky.

[Proty]

I think it is possible that mentally, PSG players are better at penalty shootouts. They won the Champions League trophy last season, and when they faced a deadlock against Arsenal, they eventually managed to equalize. That makes me think the players' mentality is better than Arsenal's players in penalty shootouts.

I agree with your point on this, penalty shootouts, tacticality and attack are the best features of psg but for arsenal they have only defense as their ultimate game play, they are not good at goal scoring and penality shootouts compared to psg. Now that arsenal are in form they need to start working on themselves because if they don't improve they might not have the same opportunity again for the long time.

Well after that shootout I said to myself that arsenal did not prepare for penalty, which is feel should be part of their plan since they were planning to play like underdog in they game. They really did well in defending and messed it all up at the shootout, for me I was not expecting Gabriel to take a shoot that ealry, maybe after the first five. Well it all in the past now and a good sportsman will be preparing for another campaign already.
Arsenal have shown that they have what it takes to challenge at the highest level now they just need to build on that and try to be more challenging when they are in that position anytime again.

To me I'd say let by gone be by gone, because it's in the past now, what has happened has happened nothing can change that fact, but I wouldn't say Arsenal didn't plan for any shootout, judging from what they played from the beginning to the end, even after Paris Saint Germain equalize the goal, they were still at the back defending, my thoughts was they actually came for a penalty shootout, because looking at the team they've got some nice penalty takers, and a good goal keeper, so the odd was actually on their side in that shootout, but I was surprised to see them lose the game, but it's all good because I quite like it that way, Smiles.

Arsenal was never prepared for any penalty shootout there plan was actually to win the match by defending there first goal and this has always been there pattern of play . They used the same tactics against Burnley in the premier League and it worked for them but against PSG they failed to understand that defensive game won't stop PSG. Even after PSG succeeded in equalising the goal there chance of survival then was for to continue with there defensive game if not PSG would have won the match with ease.

[puloweh555]

Effective ball possession is enhanced by scoring goals, but if you only have possession and struggle to penetrate the opponent's defense, it's nothing special and can still be considered a failure. In football, the key is to score goals and win. Even if your team has limited possession but manages to capitalize on several chances and score, that's better than having possession without scoring.

The main target in football is to score goals and win. Sometimes it is possible to win a match by having the ball and playing defensively. But if they  can not score even after having the ball and they lose the match, then there is no point in showing such dominance in the match. Arsenal play defensively. They want to control the match by having the ball. Such a strategy works quite well when they  are not facing strong teams. Such a strategy is not very effective against strong attacking teams.

Teams that win trophies are usually those with solid and strong defenses. Possession of the ball doesn't guarantee a title if the defense is poor, but if it can be done for both it's even better. Possession of the ball has the potential to score goals and a strong defense makes them less likely to concede goals.

The example you mentioned about Arsenal is a good one. In some seasons Arsenal were known for their possession but their defense was weak often allowing goals to be easily scored on the counter-attack. But if you look closely Arsenal playing style this season is very different from previous seasons because Arteta has learned a lot from previous seasons. If they want to win the title and go far in the Champions League, they need to play defensively. This is quite evident in Arsenal ability to win the EPL trophy and reach the Champions League final. Arsenal game this season is very pragmatic. In the past, they played beautiful possession football, but this season they are playing defensively and relying on counter attacks. The result is that they are now a team that concedes little in the UCL they only conceded 7 goals and in the EPL they conceded 27 goals.

[Different patterns]

It seems you're undermining Arsenal despite their defensive records of the just concluded season. Paris Saint Germaine is a high scoring team, we saw how many goals they scored in each of their games in the knockout stages but couldn't manage to score from open play against Arsenal. If they had not gotten that penalty, I think the game would've finished in victory for the North London club.

That was my initial thought at the end of the finals, but on the second thought, I changed my perspective about that game, realizing how tough the second half was for Arsenal, they were being suffocated, added to the referees biased officiating, which is much of a big factor to why Arsenal conceded a goal, but on a leveled play ground, PSG will equalize that game, regardless of Arsenal's defensive prowess. I understand your angle of judgement, but PSG worked really hard to decipher Arteta's defense line, and saw a way through, this conversation is happening because it came from a penalty.

You know after games like this, when you reflect it will not allow you to just focus on what your emotions are pushing to your mind but it will help you understand how the game really went, for example in the first half arsenal were able to do when esoe by scoring that first goal but in the second half they couldn't do much and allow PSG to control the game in the second half and for a team to play defence for that long time will make their opposition to look for their weaknesses and also mistakes can happen when you defend or have the mentality to only defend in a game, you can't do much in that game especially when the opposition were the first to score. The penalty has a major influence on the outcome of the game and the sustained pressure of PSG was able to lead to the penalty moments which led to them winning the title, this shows that some teams that attack relentlessly often increase the likelihood of creative decisive situations and force errors in a game. In the end, penalty may have been breakthrough but it all happens because of PSG persistent attack and tactical adjustments throughout the second half which goes a long way to change the course of the game.

[Distraction]

Atletico Madrid surprised me by reaching the semi finals this year. I mean I thought their journey would end by quarter finals the most. But Simeone showed us some really nice performances.

Maybe his system isn't liked by the majority of people but it worked for a good achievement. Can he repeat this? I have big doubts though but it depends on the draw...

As far as I remember Atletico have been reaching at least quarter finals every other year lately. 

[SquallLeonhart]

We have seen what ball possession and defending does. PSG had the ball, Arsenal scored early and only defended, and PSG ended up being the winners. So maybe we should not think ball possession as unimportant. Nobody claims that guarantees a win, but it does help with a win, it is more important to have the ball than not have the ball, and while you may or may not win, you are going to have an advantage.

PSG showed that to us, Barcelona back in the day did show that to us as well. You have to realize that PSG is the best team in the world right now and they do have the ball as much as possible and attack very quickly, very early on. They do not "build up" the game, they just attack, and try their chance as quickly as possible and then try to get the ball back and try again quickly.

[SmartCharpa]

Atletico Madrid surprised me by reaching the semi finals this year. I mean I thought their journey would end by quarter finals the most. But Simeone showed us some really nice performances.

Maybe his system isn't liked by the majority of people but it worked for a good achievement. Can he repeat this? I have big doubts though but it depends on the draw...

As far as I remember Atletico have been reaching at least quarter finals every other year lately. 

Many people were surprised when Atletico Madrid reached the Champions League semifinals, they beat Barcelona home and away, amd they were able to beat them due to the red cards they received from the two games, if were not for the red cards, I doubt if they would be in the Semifinals this season. Although Atletico Madrid performance wasn’t that bad in the Champions League, but they were only lucky to play against 10 men, otherwise it would’ve been a tough game.

There’s a rumour that Alvarez could leave the club this summer, I don’t know how true this rumour is, but if he leaves the club, honestly, Atletico Madrid will face a serious challenge in their attacking next season. Maybe they will not pass through the group stage next season, because anything can also happen, they need to maintain their winning ways next season.

[$weetne$$]

The exception to Arsenal's plan was the penalty, after leading by 1 goal, just one penalty forced Arsenal to change their entire plan. If that penalty had not happened, they might have succeeded in their plan and the Champions League title would have been theirs. However, that is in the past, there is nothing to be done now.

They must strengthen the team to win the title next season, especially in attack, they must add some players who are very good at counter-attacking. Arsenal must have the ability to score multiple goals in a match to win the title. Winning a match with a 1-goal lead is very risky.

If Arsenal is able  to maintain  their defence in the current form it is and are also able  to fix their attack, there is almost no limit to the much they can achieve in this new season , they are going to have a very complete and solid team, they will be fierce and domineering in every league, I want to believe  they will explore that using  this summer break and transfer window.