Gareth Barry Backs PSG Over Arsenal To Win UCL Final

Gareth Barry Backs PSG Over Arsenal to Win UCL Final

Former England and Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has weighed in on the UEFA Champions League final outlook, predicting Arsenal will fall short despite their strong run this season and suggesting Paris Saint‑Germain are the side best equipped to beat the London club if they meet in the showpiece match. Barry, speaking to BoyleSport, acknowledged the Gunners’ impressive campaign, including topping their group with a perfect record and advancing through the knockout stages, but he stopped short of tipping them as eventual winners.

“I think Arsenal and PSG are the two that I fancy possibly going all the way,” Barry said in the interview, before adding that PSG have the experience and individual quality to edge the Gunners in a potential final. He highlighted that PSG’s roster features players suited for the biggest games, giving them a slight advantage should the two sides meet on Europe’s biggest stage.

The prediction comes as Arsenal continue to juggle multiple high‑stakes competitions. Their Champions League prospects follow key domestic setbacks in recent weeks including elimination from cup competitions which have sparked debate among fans and pundits about the team’s momentum and big‑match temperament. Arsenal reached the quarter‑finals with a narrow win against Sporting Lisbon, sealed by a last‑gasp goal from Kai Havertz, and are now plotting a potential route to the final through the next rounds of the competition. Despite their strong record, Barry’s comments reflect the broader belief among some analysts that Arsenal may lack a pivotal edge against elite continental opposition especially experienced Champions League contenders like PSG. His assessment layers another talking point onto what has been an absorbing European season for clubs across the continent. Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League table and remain in contention for multiple honours, but recent results including losses in domestic finals have underlined the fine margins at the top of European football. Barry, who retired from professional football after a decorated career spanning England’s top flight, remains a respected voice in the sport and his prediction adds to the growing anticipation ahead of the latter stages of the 2025‑26 Champions League.