Paris Saint-Germain is pulling out all the stops as the countdown to the Champions League final ticks down. With just seven days remaining until the clash against Arsenal in Budapest, the club orchestrated a high-stakes internal scrimmage at the Campus PSG in Poissy to sharpen their competitive edge. The session, designed to simulate match conditions, saw two full-strength squads battle it out for over an hour, delivering a preview of the intensity expected in just under a week.
The friendly fixture, played at breakneck speed, featured a mix of seasoned stars and rising talents. Luis Enrique deployed a tactical setup, fielding two well-balanced teams to test depth and adaptability. The session also served as a morale booster, with over 1,000 ultras in attendance to rally behind the squad ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
squad rotation and key absences
The training ground was notably missing two prominent names: Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi. Both players skipped the internal match but engaged in individualized conditioning. Club insiders confirmed their participation in Budapest remains undisputed, as no risks were taken with their fitness ahead of the final. Nuno Mendes and Willian Pacho, absent during the recent Ligue 1 fixture against Paris FC, were fully integrated into the session.
The coaching staff also gave opportunities to young prospects, including Abdou Fanne Drame, Rayan Abo El Nay, Thomas Cordier, and Yanis Khafi. Among the standout performers were Vitinha, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Gonçalo Ramos, each finding the net during the spirited encounter.
fan engagement and final stretch
The internal match doubled as a celebration of the season’s journey, with ultras unfurling a banner emblazoned with the rallying cry: “Once is historic, twice is legendary.” The atmosphere was further amplified by over 150 children from the PSG for Communities initiative, personally invited by President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. At the final whistle, players presented jerseys and match balls to the supporters, capping off a day of preparation and gratitude.
Following a rest day on Sunday and Monday, the team will return to training on Tuesday, entering the final phase of their campaign. With the target in sight, every session now carries the weight of destiny as they chase continental glory.
