History is on the line in Budapest! Can Arsenal finally secure their first-ever Champions League title, or will PSG make history of their own? Yankee Scores has the 6 reasons why the Gunners are ready for glory.
As all roads lead to Budapest on May 30th, the narrative is set: Paris Saint-Germain aims to be the first since Real Madrid to defend their crown since 2018, while Arsenal hunts for their first-ever Champions League trophy.
A Defense for the Record Books
“Attacks win games, but defense wins titles” is a common saying in football. The phrase may be contested, but the truism of the saying applies to the defense of the Gunners right now.
Arsenal has kept 9 clean sheets in 14 games this season. With just one shutout, Arteta’s men will tie the all-time tournament record (10), currently held by the “Class of ’06” Arsenal side and Real Madrid (2015/16). Conceding only 6 goals in 14 games is definitely an elite-level suppression.
Raya’s Golden Gloves
An integral part of this defense is the Spanish goalkeeper David Raya who currently leads the tournament with 9 clean sheets. Fresh from winning golden gloves in the EPL, Raya has been reliable in between for the Gunners.
Following the 1 – 0 second leg win over Atlético Madrid, Raya is tied with Santiago Cañizares (2000/01) for the most clean sheets by a goalkeeper in a single UCL season. If he gets one more in the final, he becomes him the sole record-holder.
His incredible saves particularly against Sporting Lisbon in both legs and against Atletico Madrid have kept Arsenal in the competition.
On a big night in Budapest against PSG, Raya is expected to simply be at his best, keeping the illustrious attack of the French giants at bay.
Unbeaten streak
Arsenal made history by becoming the first team ever to win all 8 of their matches and still have no loss. Arsenal’s record of 11 wins, 3 draws, and 0 losses has proven they are deservedly in the final.
They may not be flamboyant in style like PSG, but their efficiency is beyond doubt. The biggest test, of course, for Arsenal’s defense will be the PSG attacking trio—Dembele, Kviratskelia, and Doue—but this defense has been tested and thereby trusted to come out on top in Budapest, especially given their recent performances against top-tier teams in the league.
Set-Piece Supremacy
Call it boring, dark arts, archaic, or retrogressive football; Arsenal are in the UCL final and in charge of the EPL title race. With a double in sight, Arsenal are gunning for a double.
Arteta’s men are dead-ball specialists. No team does it better in Europe’s top five. only the second team in history to score 20+ set-piece goals (excluding penalties) in consecutive calendar years (2024 and 2025). Arsenal has netted 7 goals directly from set-play situations in the Champions League this season (excluding direct penalties).
In the final, this could make an absolute difference. Rival managers from Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid did confess that taming Arsenal in their box during dead-ball situations was the most difficult of their preparation plans. When scoring from open play becomes difficult, the Gunners can always bank on their set piece supremacy to win games.
Tactical Masterclass
While PSG are hoping to defend their title, Arsenal are gunning for their maiden UCL title. What a history for the current crop of Arsenal players. The current squad may not be the most talented the Arsenal has produced but they do know how to rise to the occasion when it matters the most.
Arsenal has recorded zero errors leading to goals in the 2025/26 Champions League – a major detail that speaks to their tidiness and compactness. Tactically, the Gunners have moved away from “attacking spontaneity” toward “structural certainty.” They keep opponents pinned deep, and they press the opponents instantly after losing the ball, preventing the counter-attacks that usually plague high-line teams.
Major Injury Boost
Nothing is as cheery to Arsenal right now as having their injured stalwarts fit for the final encounter. The return of influential players such as Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, and Kai Havertz from recent knocks is a major boost for the Gunners. The trio has a lot to offer, whether starting or from the bench. Havertz has Champions League final experience, with his sole goal helping Chelsea to win the title for the second time in 2021 at the expense of Manchester City; he will fancy his chances even if he has to come from the bench. It is almost impossible for him to start ahead of red-hot Gyokeres except he is given a supporting striker role.
