Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final held in Budapest on June 1, 2024. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9] PSG coach Luis Enrique extended his remarkable record by winning his 12th one-off club final out of 13, maintaining an 11 wins from 12 record prior to this game. [4] PSG's fresher squad, rested from Ligue 1 matches to focus on Europe, was a key factor in their success. [5]
Arsenal entered the final fresh off winning their first English Premier League title in 22 years and were aiming for their inaugural Champions League trophy. [10, 6, 8, 9] Manager Mikel Arteta had reshaped the club with a blend of possession and pragmatism, emphasizing the ambition to reach the highest level after domestic success. "We are here because we have earned the right to be here. Tomorrow on the field, we're going to have to earn the right to win the trophy," Arteta said before the match. [6, 8]
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had kept 9 clean sheets during the Champions League run, highlighting the team's defensive resilience. [7, 9] Midfielder Declan Rice noted, "It's a final, anything can happen. We are going to be ready for it. We want the double." [7]
Following PSG's win, Paris erupted with celebrations that soon turned violent. Clashes between football fans and police broke out overnight, involving flares, fires, damaged vehicles, and smashed shopfronts. [1, 2, 3] Police reported between 416 and 780 arrests during and after the unrest, including 280 early on Sunday morning and up to 780 total in Paris alone. [1, 2, 3] Injuries affected an estimated 7 to 57 police officers and around 219 civilians. [1, 2, 3]
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated, "We are a great country for maintaining public order. We allow freedom of assembly, but not excesses." He added, "The vast majority go out to celebrate and it goes very well. But other individuals, who are not PSG supporters, who don't even watch the match, come to cause trouble and disturbances. Our response is very firm." He called the unrest "absolutely unacceptable," noting seven officers injured according to one report. [1, 2]
One person died in an accident on Paris’ ring road during the violent episode overnight. [2] Authorities mobilized 6,000 police officers to secure the PSG victory parade held Sunday afternoon on June 2, which included a tour near the Eiffel Tower and a reception by President Emmanuel Macron. [1, 2]
Arsenal’s historic domestic success and PSG’s Champions League triumph closed a thrilling European season. The focus shifts to PSG’s celebration events today and managing security after the large-scale disturbances.
