Is this PSG team one of the all-time greats? | Champions League Final Review
Paris Saint-Germain's 2026 Champions League victory—secured via a tense 4-3 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw—has sparked intense debate over whether this PSG team belongs among football’s all-time greats. The hosts, including Ryan Bailey, Taylor Rockwell, Joe Lowey, and Graham Ruffin, grappled with the game’s lack of spectacle, calling it a 'slow build of tension' that felt more like a 'kick in the teeth' than a classic. Despite Arsenal’s disciplined, low-block defense—described as one of the most effective in history—the match ultimately hinged on individual errors and the randomness of penalty shootouts. The panel agreed that while PSG didn’t play their best, their ability to grind out a win against Europe’s top defensive unit proves their dominance. Taylor Rockwell delivered a standout moment: 'Founders die from overdose of opportunity, not starvation,' a line that captures the paradox of a team that wins by surviving, not by shining. The episode also dissected Arsenal’s tactical brilliance, the emotional weight of the shootout, and the looming question: can Luis Enrique keep this machine running, or is it time to walk away from the summit? The key takeaway? This wasn’t a masterpiece—but it was a masterpiece of resilience. PSG’s victory, though ugly, cements them as one of the most complete and relentless teams in history. Arsenal, meanwhile, proved they can compete with the best, even if they fell short.
PSG won the 2026 Champions League via penalties after a 1-1 draw, marking their second consecutive title despite a lackluster performance.
Arsenal’s defensive strategy—sitting deep with 25% possession—was one of the most effective in Champions League history, stifling PSG’s attack for 85 minutes.
The game’s outcome was decided by individual errors, not superior play, making it a 'coin flip' in the end, according to the hosts.
PSG’s ability to win in a 'stodgy, tight' game they didn’t want to play proves their dominance, even when not at their best.
Arsenal’s early goal by Kai Havertz was a fluke, but it set the tone for a game that was more about survival than spectacle.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to the Review: A Game That Wasn’t Fun
“I found this game to be... somewhat punishing. There were moments that were very interesting. There were some variations and changes and adjustments and two managers screaming the whole time. But it's notable to me that like some of the major talking points thus far in our chat have been like Kavaradona's bleeding leg and the referee calling halftime when a corner was about to be taken, which to me is not the spectacle you're looking for for a Champions League final.”
The Arsenal Defense: A Masterclass in Discipline
“I frankly didn't think it would be possible for Arsenal to do to PSG what they did here and that was part of the reason why when Arsenal scored that goal so early in the game, I was optimistic that we were going to get an entertaining match or more entertaining game that we ended up with because I just thought PSG would reply quickly and then the game would move into another state and that would provide some interest that way.”
The Flawed Performance: PSG’s Struggles Under Pressure
“I don't think I drank a full cup of Haterade, but that's how I'm feeling right now. Because I agree with everything you've said. But that Dewey cross also was another moment for me of like, maybe Joe's right. Maybe coaching doesn't matter. Because he overhits that cross and you see Luis Enrique screaming at him and he gets his attention and then he just goes like, calm down.”
The Penalty Shootout: Drama, Psychology, and Mistakes
“I don't want to be too simplistic about it, but do you want your big rough-and-ready centre-back taking a fifth penalty in a Champions League final shootout? Doesn't feel quite right to me. And also just the fact... Just narratively, I was like, oh, he's going to be the player to miss. Just because he is the sort of defining player of this Arsenal team.”
Was This the Best Team Ever? The Case for PSG
The panel debates whether this PSG team belongs in the pantheon of all-time greats. Despite the ugly win, they argue that the ability to win in such a grind is proof of their dominance and resilience.
“I don't want to be too simplistic about it, but do you want your big rough -and -ready centre -back taking a fifth penalty in a Champions League final shootout? Doesn't feel quite right to me. And also just the fact... Just narratively, I was like, oh, he's going to be the player to miss. Just because he is the sort of defining player of this Arsenal team.”
“I don't think I drank a full cup of Haterade, but that's how I'm feeling right now. Because I agree with everything you've said. But that Dewey cross also was another moment for me of like, maybe Joe's right. Maybe coaching doesn't matter. Because he overhits that cross and you see Luis Enrique screaming at him and he gets his attention and then he just goes like, calm down.”
“I frankly didn't think it would be possible for Arsenal to do to PSG what they did here and that was part of the reason why when Arsenal scored that goal so early in the game, I was optimistic that we were going to get an entertaining match or more entertaining game that we ended up with because I just thought PSG would reply quickly and then the game would move into another state and that would provide some interest that way.”
Hosts
Paris Saint-Germain
other
Arsenal
other
2026 champions league final
other
Mikel Arteta
person
Kai Havertz
person
Gabriel
person
Luis Enrique
person
David Raya
person
The Killers
other
UEFA
organization
PSG Go Back-to-Back! Arsenal Too Defensive? Kvaratskhelia Shines & Is Luis Enrique the Best?
48m • 5/30/2026
Champions League Final - Arsenal heartbreak as PSG win shootout to retain trophy
30m • 5/30/2026
Arsenal afterparty and manager Slot open at Liverpool...
1h 44m • 5/31/2026
Fans rampage after Paris St-Germain win Champions League
25m • 5/31/2026
Sunday's top stories in 10 minutes
10m • 5/31/2026
World Cup Group A Preview: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
58m • 6/1/2026
World Cup Group B Preview: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
54m • 6/1/2026
World Cup Group C Preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland & Haiti
55m • 6/2/2026
World Cup Group D Preview: USMNT, Paraguay, Australia & Turkey
58m • 6/3/2026
World Cup Group F Preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden & Tunisia
1h 2m • 6/5/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime