Shevchenko Watches PSG’s Zabarnyi During Champions League Final

2025/26 Champions League Final

According to Главком: Andriy Shevchenko, President of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF), is attending the 2025/26 Champions League final in Budapest. The match features Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) against Arsenal. Shevchenko, who won the Champions League with AC Milan in 2003, has a particular interest in this game because Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi is on PSG’s roster, starting the match on the substitutes’ bench. This adds a layer of national pride for Ukrainian football fans worldwide.

Stats and Probabilities

PSG are the reigning Champions League titleholders, having defeated Bayern Munich in the semifinals. Arsenal, meanwhile, advanced past Atlético Madrid in their semifinal clash. According to Opta analysts, PSG enter the final as favorites. Their probability of winning in regular time is 43.5%, while the chance of the winner being decided after 90 minutes sits at 26.8%. Overall, PSG’s likelihood of retaining the trophy is estimated at 56%, compared to Arsenal’s 44%.

This final marks the eighth meeting between PSG and Arsenal across all competitions. Both sides have two wins each, with three draws. The last two encounters ended in victories for the Parisians: 1-0 at home and 2-1 away during the 2024/25 Champions League semifinals. These statistics add intrigue to a high-stakes match capturing the attention of football fans globally.

The Champions League final is not just a sporting event but also a significant moment for Ukrainian football, as the presence of Andriy Shevchenko and Illia Zabarnyi highlights the growing influence of Ukrainian players on the international stage. Regardless of the outcome, this match could substantially boost football’s popularity in Ukraine and sustain interest in developing young talent within the country.

As the excitement builds for the Champions League final, fans are keen to see how the lineups of both teams will influence the match. The starting elevens for PSG and Arsenal have been revealed, shedding light on strategic choices that could determine the outcome of this high-stakes encounter. Understanding these selections can provide deeper insights into the tactical approaches of each side and the players to watch.