The battle of the leaders. On May 6, we will finally know the identities of the two finalists of the Champions League 2025-26 edition. It is played between Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal on one side, and Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich on the other. Title holder and last French representative in the most beautiful of European competitions, the capital club will have a lot to do to eliminate the Bavarian steamroller, who will have the advantage of welcoming the Ile-de-France residents to the Allianz Arena on May 6. But we will have to negotiate the first act at the Parc des Princes in 5 days, on April 28. Before this shock, the Munich residents prepared well since they already won the Bundesliga title last weekend. Yesterday, they qualified for the German Cup final, winning 2-0 against Bayer Leverkusen.
A strong message sent to PSG
After the meeting, Vincent Kompany was delighted. “We played very well in the first half, at high intensity, we didn’t give them anything. Leverkusen entered the match better in the second half. They forced us to defend lower, but we managed that well. We are enjoying this moment because it is about titles and we are still in the race for everything.” The Belgian, who masterfully leads German Formula 1, was then questioned about the upcoming events, in particular the clash against Paris. “Theoretically, we will focus on Mainz, even if we have already secured the title. We have a clear routine for preparing for matches. I don’t want to change the process because all matches are important.” But the coach, who will have to do without the services of Serge Gnabry (injured), will have the opportunity to manage his squad and rest times before a meeting in the French capital.
Manuel Neuer agreed to talk about this gala shock. Sky Germany has also qualified Paris as the best team in Europe. The German doorman was not entirely of this opinion. “We can’t say that. Arsenal are definitely one of them. I think it will be a very difficult match. We also started the season very well in Paris in the championship. Unfortunately, there were ten of us and we had to fight hard. But we have to be at the top of our game and have that mentality from the first half. I don’t think anyone is looking forward to facing Bayern Munich in these conditions. But we know what PSG is capable of, what football they play. It will be a complicated match. This is in line with recent statements by Kompany, who clarified that it is about “the most difficult task of all” but that they “convinced we can achieve it”.
Munich arrives at full speed
As for the German sports press, the poster against PSG is also causing a lot of talk. Our colleague from Football TransfersLukas Hörster, can’t wait to see this clash of the titans. “For me, the last Bayern-PSG matches (Champions League and Club World Cup phase) were very close. PSG may be as strong as last year, even without Gianluigi Donnarumma. But Bayern Munich are better than in recent years and almost all of their starters are available. Even Jamal Musiala is making great strides. So everything seems to come together to win the Champions League this year. But the respect for PSG is immense. Especially if PSG finds the solution for fast and precise play in midfield, Bayern will have problems because Kimmich and Pavlovic are slow. I’m really looking forward to seeing these two great matches between the two best teams in Europe. That’s what Joshua Kimmich said last time.”
For his part, Bild is also looking forward to seeing this match between “the two fittest teams in Europe”which will still have to do without certain elements. On the Bavarian side, Gnabry is out. There is also doubt about Jamal Musiala. In the Parisian camp, the biggest uncertainty concerns Vitinha, affected against OL on Sunday evening during the 2-1 defeat. He was absent yesterday against Nantes and should miss the match against Angers this weekend. In Germany, the press does not expect to meet him on April 28. “Even if his condition improves, a starting place against Bayern next week seems unlikely without training or a preparation match. It would be a hard blow for the team of Luis Enrique (55 years old). This season in the Champions League, Vitinha has not missed a single minute and he has been decisive 7 times (six goals and one assist).”writing Bild. Launched, Bayern Munich intends to be ruthless with Paris. A respected club. But the Germans believe they have the necessary weapons, particularly offensively with Olise, Kane and Diaz, to beat the title holders.
