On Saturday in Budapest, the historic duel between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain will not only define the new European champion. For the Gunners, the Champions League final also represents a battle against decades of continental frustrations.
The team led by Mikel Arteta comes into the match in the best moment of its modern era, after winning its first Premier League since 2004. However, the London club carries a heavy history of defeats in European finals that still haunt its fans.
A European history full of wounds
Since the European Cup Winners’ Cup won in 1994 against Parma Calcio 1913, Arsenal has lost four consecutive continental finals.
One of the most memorable occurred in 1995, when Real Zaragoza won 2-1 thanks to Nayim’s unforgettable goal from almost midfield over David Seaman in extra time. The goal was etched in the memory of European football and is still remembered by the fans of Tottenham Hotspur FC, Arsenal’s eternal rival.
Five years later, the London team lost in the UEFA Cup final against Galatasaray SK in a dramatic penalty shootout, despite having figures such as Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
The final of Paris 2006, the deepest wound
The most painful defeat came in the 2006 Champions League final against FC Barcelona.
That night in Paris was marked by the early expulsion of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after bringing down Samuel Eto’o outside the area. Even so, Arsenal took the lead with a goal from Sol Campbell, but ended up succumbing to goals from Eto’o and Juliano Belletti.
More recently, in 2019, the Gunners lost the Europa League final to Chelsea FC 4-1 in Baku, coach Unai Emery’s only defeat in a European final.
Arteta wants to change history
Arsenal only has one European title of great relevance: the old Fairs Cup of 1970. Therefore, finally winning the Champions League would mark a before and after in the history of the club.
Arteta has returned the team to the European elite and now dreams of completing the project by lifting the “Orejona”.
“If we win one more game we are European champions, as simple as that,” said the Spanish coach after winning the Premier League.
The challenge will not be easy. PSG, the current European champion, eliminated Arsenal last season before the final and arrives once again as one of the most powerful teams on the continent.
But in north London they believe this time it may be different. After so many years of disappointment, Arsenal have a unique opportunity to erase their historical demons and write the most glorious page in their European history.
