Trossard confident Arsenal can overcome PSG or Bayern in Champions League final

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Leandro Trossard has dismissed suggestions that Arsenal will be major underdogs in the Champions League final, insisting the Gunners can beat either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich when they meet in Budapest on May 30.

The Belgian winger was speaking after Arsenal’s historic 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night sealed a 2-1 aggregate triumph and sent the north London side to their first Champions League final since losing to Barcelona in 2006.

“It’s not that we will think like that,” Trossard said when asked about Arsenal potentially being unfancied against their final opponents. “It’s one game so you have to go with everything you can. Everyone will be full of energy. We will be ready for it. In one game, everything can happen.”

Perfect European record provides confidence

Trossard’s belief stems from Arsenal’s remarkable Champions League campaign, which has seen them become the only team in this season’s competition not to taste defeat. The Gunners have taken notable scalps including Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid during the league phase.

Riccardo Calafiori emphasized this point when asked if Arsenal had proved they could beat anyone in Europe. “Yeah, without losing, too,” the left-back said pointedly. “We didn’t win [the trophy] yet but it [the semi-final win over Atlético] is a massive step and I hope for the same in the final.”

Arsenal’s defensive solidity has been particularly impressive, conceding just six goals across 14 Champions League matches, with two of those coming in a largely meaningless 3-2 victory over Kairat in their final league phase fixture.

Historic season continues

The Champions League final represents the potential pinnacle of what could be Arsenal’s finest ever season. According to The Guardian, the club sits five points clear at the top of the Premier League table as they chase their first title since 2004, though Manchester City have a game in hand.

“It’s been 20 years for everyone involved with Arsenal, so it’s amazing to go there,” Trossard reflected on reaching the final. “The focus shifts again to the Premier League but let’s enjoy this. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Captain Martin Ødegaard echoed the sentiment while maintaining focus on immediate challenges. “We can’t think about the other teams, we have to focus on ourselves,” he said. “You get massive confidence from these nights and we have to take that into the last few games of the season.”

Arsenal will discover their final opponents tonight when PSG and Bayern Munich complete their semi-final tie in Munich, with the French side holding a 5-4 advantage from the first leg. The Gunners return to Premier League action this weekend with a trip to West Ham on Sunday.