Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka scores the team's first goal during the Uefa Champions League semi-final second-leg football match against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on May 5. Saka will have to be lethal once again on Saturday if the Gunners are to dethrone the mighty PSG.
Inspired by a first Premier League title in more than two decades, Arsenal travel to Budapest hoping to add a first Uefa Champions League trophy to the cabinet as they take on defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the decider at the Puskás Arena on Saturday (6pm SA time kick-off).
Here are five key player match-ups that may determine who leaves the Hungarian capital as kings of Europe.
Arsenal’s biggest attacking weapon against PSG’s most aggressive fullback could produce fireworks. Saka thrives when isolated one-on-one, cutting inside onto his left foot and drawing defenders into dangerous areas. But Mendes is arguably the best fullback in Europe, combining recovery pace with the confidence to push high up the pitch.
The danger for PSG is leaving space behind Mendes when they attack. Yet if Mendes can pin Saka deeper and force Arsenal’s star winger into defensive work, PSG could dominate territory.
