Champions League final: Havertz and Trossard start in Budapest
The teamsheets are in. Kai Havertz starts for Arsenal in tonight's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskás Aréna. Mikel Arteta has backed an attacking midfield setup, with Leandro Trossard also named in the starting XI (2) (3) (5) (7).
Martin Zubimendi is on the bench, a notable call given his role this season (6). The lineup signals intent, Arteta isn't here to sit back.
Kick-off is at 18:00 in Budapest. Sunny, 24°C. Perfect conditions for a final (7).
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PSG stand between Arsenal and a European double
You won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years. Now there's a shot at the Champions League, something Arsenal have never lifted. Paris Saint-Germain are the defending champions, aiming for back-to-back titles (4) (9).
Sol Campbell captured what this final means before kick-off: "They've got a wonderful group of players and a great manager in Mikel Arteta but having come so close three times on the bounce I felt these guys needed it" (8).
Fan reactions
Chelsea supporters are in an advanced state of suffering. One fan has traveled all the way from Kenya specifically to hate-watch Arsenal in the Champions League final, that's the kind of rent-free real estate this team now occupies. Across rival subreddits, the tone is a mix of dread and grudging respect. The rivals watch thread tells the story.
