Paris Saint-Germain drew 1-1 against Bayern Munich and qualified (5-6 on aggregate) this Wednesday at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League semi-final (final on May 30 against Arsenal). Following this qualification, former Bayern and French national team full-back Bixente Lizarazu spoke to L’Equipe.
Lizarazu: “He used his weapon: the counter-attack.”
Does PSG’s qualification seem obvious to you?
PSG showed another side of their game, demonstrating great solidarity. And they used their weapon: the counter-attack. They defended a lot, but they created the best opportunities on the counter-attack. Paris showed courage, even if it meant ending up with cramps, and plenty of energy.
Lizarazu: “PSG are the favorites even though Arsenal have the best defense”
Who will be the favorite in the final between PSG and Arsenal (Saturday, May 30)?
PSG are the favorites even though Arsenal have the best defense in the Champions League. Arsenal defend well and are solid, but they don’t have the same attacking firepower as Paris. The advantage lies with PSG. It won’t be easy in a single match, but PSG is superior, especially in attack.
PSG didn’t necessarily deliver a demonstration of possession or total domination in Munich, but they showed something almost more worrying for their opponents: their ability to win coldly, in a tougher, deeper, more patient style. According to Bixente Lizarazu, Paris defended a lot, but without unnecessarily absorbing pressure, relying on collective solidarity and a weapon that has become decisive: the quick transition.
Against Bayern, the Parisians finished physically exhausted, but they held on, ran, suffered, and struck at the right moment. Before the final against Arsenal, the former defender believes that the advantage remains with PSG, despite the Gunners’ defensive solidity. The reason is simple: offensively, PSG seems to possess a superior firepower.
