A final that doesn’t sit well
If the entire Europe is impressed by PSG under Luis Enrique after this second straight qualification for the Champions League final, there is much bitterness in the south of France as well. “PSG can still dream of the double,” soberly states La Provence. Just reading further quickly reveals that PSG’s happiness will not help the Marseille fans during this terrible moment for their club. “While they are witnessing the sinking of their favorite team, they are also forced to witness another unenjoyable spectacle for them: the resounding dominance of the Parisian rival in European football,” writes the local newspaper. Very attached to the Champions League won in 1993, the Olympiens will never abandon the slogan “never the first“. On the other hand, this PSG team is well on their way to being “never the first” to win it twice. To do so, they will have to defeat Arsenal on May 30th.
The referee takes the heat
“Bayern eliminated after an refereeing scandal,” headlines Bild. The German newspaper doesn’t beat around the bush, stating that Bayern should have been awarded a penalty, or even have a numerical advantage. “The referee extinguishes the dream of a treble,” adds the newspaper on its inside pages. The first half of Joao Pinheiro has been eventful, especially due to two game incidents. On one hand, Nuno Mendes’ handball during a counterattack, which was not called. Already cautioned, the Portuguese should have been sent off according to the Munich camp. However, the referee did not call the handball and even whistled against Konrad Laimer for a handball just before the Portuguese’s. A contentious decision that did not convince many, especially not Vincent Kompany. “I was 10 meters away and I never once had the impression that Konrad had touched the ball with his hand. He hit it with his hip. For me, it was clearly a second yellow card. This scene is decisive for the match.” The second incident occurred a few minutes later, as Vitinha shot on Joao Neves’ raised arm. Not even a poker face for the Portuguese who understood that there was a handball, but still no whistle from the referee. Because yes, the rule confirms this decision. The IFAB rules specify that a foul should be called if the player “touches the ball with the arm or hand, artificially increasing the surface covered by their body“. However, the regulation also states that it is not a foul if the ball comes from the foot of one of the author’s teammates of the handball. Vincent Kompany explained that he understood the rule, even if the penalty awarded last week against Bayern inevitably leaves him with regrets.
An Enrique-Arteta final that delights Catalonia
In Spain, the PSG Arsenal matchup in the Champions League final is making many happy, especially in Catalonia. Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta have one thing in common, they were both trained at Barca and the PSG coach was even the coach there. “Great Final Lucho Arteta,” adds the Catalan press, proud to have two Spanish technicians leading two foreign clubs. Naturally, Luis Enrique has an advantage since he will be playing his third Champions League final and so far, is 2 out of 2. The PSG coach is considered by many as the best coach in the world, a victory on May 30th would surely elevate him to be considered one of the best in history, if he isn’t already.
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