Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are preparing for the Champions League final in Budapest, with the possibility of a penalty shoot-out looming large. Europe's best defence faces the continent's most enviable attack, setting the stage for a tense and nervous affair. PSG aim to defend their title, while Arsenal compete in their first final since 2006.
David Raya's Penalty Record
Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya, fresh from winning the Premier League's Golden Glove with 19 clean sheets, has a mixed record from the spot. Since joining the club, he has been part of two shoot-outs. He made two stunning saves to help Arsenal beat Porto 4-2 on penalties in the Champions League quarter-finals last season, but failed to keep any out in an FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United in January 2025.
Outside shoot-outs, Raya has saved three penalties and conceded nine for Arsenal. He denied PSG's Vitinha in last season's semi-final second leg, though Achraf Hakimi extended PSG's lead minutes later. Other saves include penalties from Mateo Retegui (Atalanta) and Said Benrahma (West Ham). Overall, Raya has saved six penalties and conceded 40 in his career.
Matvey Safonov's Penalty Record
PSG's first-choice goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has emerged as a penalty shoot-out expert. In the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo in December, he saved four consecutive spot kicks to help PSG secure a sixth trophy of the year. He also made two saves in a Coupe de France shoot-out win over Lens. In both shoot-outs for PSG, he has been decisive.
For non-shoot-out penalties, Safonov has saved one and conceded four in PSG colours. His record suggests he could be a key factor if the final goes to penalties.
Both teams will hope the match is settled before spot kicks, but the contrasting records of Raya and Safonov add an intriguing subplot to the Champions League final.
