Arsenal and Paris Saint‑Germain will meet at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on June 1 for the Champions League final, the culmination of two contrasting campaigns. Arsenal, fresh from ending a 22‑year Premier League drought, rely on a compact defensive unit, while Luis Enrique’s PSG have built the season around relentless offense. A statistical combined XI compiled by Sofascore showcases the standout performers from both sides and underscores the tactical clash awaiting fans.

David Raya’s 28 clean sheets set the benchmark for goalkeeping excellence

According to the Sofascore analysis, Arsenal’s Spanish keeper David Raya tops the combined XI thanks to an impressive 28 clean sheets in 50 matches across all competitions, including nine in 13 Champions League appearances. His season‑long rating of 7.34 eclipses peers such as Alisson, Donnarumma and Courtois, and teammate Kai Havertz even hailed him as the world’s best keeper after a quarter‑final heroics. Raya’s game‑changing saves, from Mateus Fernandes to a crucial stop against West Ham, have been pivotal for the Gunners’ defensive record.

Gabriel Magalhães’ aerial dominance earns him the highest defensive rating

While William Saliba often grabs headlines, Sofascore’s data gives the nod to Gabriel Magalhães for his physical superiority. The Brazilian has conceded only twice in 11 European starts and boasts a 7.25 rating, the highest among all defenders in the combined XI. His prowess in aerial duels and set‑piece threat make him a dual‑purpose asset, reinforcing Arsenal’s reputation as an “immovable object” in the final.

Marquinhos’ veteran intelligence pairs with Magalhães in a rare cross‑league centre‑back duo

PSG captain Marquinhos,at 32, secures a place alongside Magalhães despite a slower pace, thanks to his big‑game reading and positioning. His decisive block against Virgil van Dijk in the Liverpool quarter‑final highlighted his enduring value. The pairing of a Brazilian veteran with a Brazilian defender from Arsenal is a unique narrative that could dictate the midfield‑to‑defence transition in Budapest.

Achraf Hakimi’s modern full‑back role outshines Arsenal’s options despite injury concerns

Even with a lingering hamstring issue, Achraf Hakimi claims the right‑back slot in the dream team, posting a 6.74 rating that reflects his balanced defensive duties and attacking contributions. his ability to deliver assists and occasional goals exemplifies the contemporary full‑back archetype Luis Enrique favors, contrasting with Arsenal’s more traditional defensive full‑backs.

Open questions: Will PSG’s attacking trio of Kvaratskhelia, Dembele and Doué break Arsenal’s wall?

The combined XI highlights the threat posed by PSG’s forward line—Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele and emerging talent Desire Doué—but the source does not provide concrete data on how they have performed against top‑class defences this season. Additionally, the analysis omits any mention of potential tactical adjustments by Mikel Arteta, leaving readers to wonder how the Gunners will adapt to PSG’s “fierce, progressive” attack.