If form in this season’s Champions League was the benchmark, then Arsenal would be home and dry with 10 victories and two draws in 12 games – and they beat Bayern in November.
But the Gunners have not been in a final since 2006 – when they were beaten by Barcelona in Paris – and competition pedigree plays a role in the Champions League.
The north Londoners finished top of the league phase and had been handed a favourable path to Budapest as a result, with wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting in previous rounds.
Just three of the previous 20 champions have been first-time winners – making it even more of an uphill task for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners will take on a resurgent Atletico Madrid, who are the surprise package in this year’s competition.
Many predicted Diego Simeone’s side would be sent packing by Spanish rivals Barcelona in the last eight, but the three-time finalists are back to their gritty best in this competition.
Atletico are way off the pace in the La Liga title race and recently had their hearts broken in the Copa del Rey final by Real Sociedad.
But in Julian Alvarez, Atleti have hope. The Argentine striker has netted nine times and registered four assists in 13 matches, making him the key for the Spaniards to reach the final.
Bayern Munich have already tied up the Bundesliga title and are purring under Vincent Kompany this season.
Bayern’s attack was in fine form as they beat Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate in a thrilling quarter-final. That took their European tally to 38 goals in 12 games – the best in the Champions League this season.
England captain Harry Kane has been at the forefront of everything special at Bayern. He looks to add to his 12 goals, while aided by game-changing widemen Luis Diaz and Michael Olise.
The six-time winners know more than most what it takes to lift this trophy.
And that leaves us with the holders, PSG.
The Parisians finally broke their Champions League hoodoo in May 2025 with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan – the biggest winning margin in a final.
Like last season, Luis Enrique’s side had to come through a play-off to reach the knockout stages. But, also like last term, they have dispatched of two English sides in Chelsea and Liverpool.
A 4-0 aggregate victory over the Premier League champions proves PSG are at their frightening best and now have the experience to boot.
