In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, Vitinha extensively discussed Arsenal's approach to the game. The Gunners scored in the 6th minute, then adopted a deep defensive strategy for most of the match. According to Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain had anticipated this scenario, but Kai Havertz's early goal further solidified Arsenal's desired game plan.

"We had to be patient against such a team. We knew this would happen, especially after Arsenal scored early," Vitinha stated.

Vitinha (right) during a post-match interview after Paris Saint-Germain's 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final, at Puskas stadium, Budapest, Hungary on 30/5. Screenshot.

The 26-year-old midfielder noted that Paris Saint-Germain's biggest challenge was Arsenal's consistent efforts to slow the game's tempo. "In a final, time keeps ticking, and we were desperate to win," he explained. "They wasted a lot of time in every situation, from throw-ins to goal kicks and everything else. If we fell into that trap, we could lose our composure."

Towards the end of the first half, with Arsenal leading 1-0 and awarded a corner, referee Daniel Siebert blew the halftime whistle before Bukayo Saka could take the kick. When the English midfielder protested, the German referee signaled that the Gunners had taken too long to prepare for the corner. Early in the second half, defender Cristhian Mosquera also received a yellow card for time-wasting during a throw-in.

The moment Saka was not allowed to take the corner kick due to time-wasting.

According to Vitinha, Arsenal consistently maintained two tight defensive lines in front of David Raya's goal, sometimes dropping as many as 6 players into defense. This made it difficult for Paris Saint-Germain to find space for decisive passes.

"We always wanted to deliver a game-changing pass, to penetrate that system, but we couldn't because that's exactly what they wanted," the Portuguese midfielder analyzed. "We had to get the ball wide and move more when off the ball."

The on-field developments largely reflected Vitinha's assessment. After Havertz's opening goal, Arsenal almost entirely ceded possession to Paris Saint-Germain, focusing on defending their lead. The English team maintained possession for less than 25% of the time, a record low for a Champions League finalist in over two decades.

Havertz's opening goal for Arsenal.

However, Vitinha stated that Paris Saint-Germain was not surprised by the game's flow. He revealed that coach Luis Enrique had instructed his players to remain patient instead of rushing during halftime. "The coach spoke at halftime," he added. "We also felt there was a bit more space in the second half, and we utilized it very well. We earned a penalty, and from that point, the game was ours."

The turning point arrived in the 62nd minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled by Cristhian Mosquera in the penalty area. Ousmane Dembele successfully converted the penalty, equalizing 1-1 for Paris Saint-Germain. From that moment, the reigning champions applied continuous pressure. Although they couldn't score again in regular or extra time, Paris Saint-Germain ultimately won 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

Vitinha believes Paris Saint-Germain deserved to be crowned champions not only for their performance in the final. "We waited for the right moment. Besides the goal, we had other opportunities that could have ended the match sooner," he continued. "Arsenal is very strong, highly competitive, and caused many difficulties. But with what we did today and throughout our entire Champions League campaign, Paris Saint-Germain deserved to win the championship."

Dembele and Hakimi carrying the 2026 Champions League trophy.

In addition to Paris Saint-Germain's second consecutive title, Vitinha also received the Player of the Match award in the final. However, the Portuguese midfielder does not view this as a personal achievement. "It's incredible. This award will stay with me forever. But I believe it belongs to the team, to everyone, not just me," he stated. "I have thanked my teammates, and I will do so again."

Vitinha also revealed that he experienced physical issues towards the end of the match. He suffered from cramps and could not contribute as much as desired in the final minutes, but this did not prevent Paris Saint-Germain from completing their mission.

Hoang An compiled