PSG Champions Again!

The Story of the Match

Nobody expected what happened in the sixth minute. Arsenal, the underdogs, scored first. The English fans behind the goal went crazy. The PSG supporters fell completely silent. Just like that, the biggest game in European football had its first twist.

PSG had most of the ball for the rest of the first half — they dominated possession, passing it quickly and looking for a way through. But Arsenal were organised and brave. Every time PSG got close, there was a red shirt in the way. Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya made save after save. The half-time whistle came. Still 1-0 to Arsenal.

The second half was tense and difficult. Arsenal picked up yellow card after yellow card as they worked hard to stop PSG's attacks. The French side kept pressing. Then, on 65 minutes, the moment PSG had been waiting for finally came. They scored. The Stade de France erupted. It was 1-1, and suddenly anything felt possible.

Twenty-five minutes left. Two exhausted teams. One trophy.

Neither side could find a winner before the final whistle. Extra time. Thirty more long, painful minutes. The players could barely run, but the tension in the stadium only grew. Again, no goal. The match would go to a penalty shootout.

One by one, the players made that long, lonely walk to the penalty spot. 80,000 people held their breath. PSG were calm and focused under enormous pressure. They scored their penalties. Arsenal could not match them.

When the final penalty went in, the PSG players ran towards each other, jumping and screaming. Some fell to the ground in tears. The Arsenal players stood still, staring at the grass. It was over.

PSG had won the Champions League. Arsenal had given everything — and it still was not enough. That is why football breaks your heart.

Glossary

Study these words before you do the exercises.

Word / Phrase	Meaning
penalty shootout	a way to decide the winner — players take turns shooting from 12 yards
equaliser	a goal that makes the score level, for example 1-1
extra time	30 extra minutes when the score is level after 90 minutes
possession	the amount of time a team has the ball
dominated	controlled the game; was much stronger than the other team
devastated	feeling extremely sad and shocked
heroic	very brave and strong, like a hero
nerves	a feeling of worry or fear before something important
pressure	the feeling that you must do something well because it is very important
glory	great success, fame, and honour

Exercise 1: Comprehension Questions

Answer these questions in full sentences.

1. When did Arsenal score their goal?

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2. Why did Arsenal get so many yellow cards?

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3. How did the PSG fans feel when Arsenal scored in minute 6?

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4. How was the match finally decided?

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5. How did the Arsenal players react at the end?

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Exercise 2: Choose the Right Word

Choose the best word to complete each sentence. Circle your answer.

1. PSG had most of the ball. They ____________ the game.

          a) lost          b) dominated          c) enjoyed          d) stopped

2. The penalty shootout was decided under enormous ____________.

          a) pressure          b) weather          c) speed          d) noise

3. Arsenal were brave and worked very hard. They were ____________.

          a) lucky          b) tired          c) heroic          d) angry

4. Arsenal lost on penalties. They were ____________ at the end.

          a) happy          b) confident          c) relaxed          d) devastated

5. The two teams could not score in extra time, so the match went to a ____________.

          a) replay          b) penalty shootout          c) free kick          d) corner

Discussion Questions

Talk about these questions with a partner:

-        The report says Arsenal were 'underdogs'. What does this mean? Do you like it when the underdog wins?

-        How do you think the Arsenal players felt in the dressing room after the match?

-        PSG dominated possession but Arsenal scored first. How is this possible?

-        'Football breaks your heart.' Has a sport ever broken your heart? Tell your partner.

-        Would you prefer to win a match 5-0 easily, or 1-0 in a dramatic final? Why?

 Answers Below:

Answer Key

For teacher use. Give to students after they have finished both exercises.

	Exercise	Answers
Exercise 1	Comprehension Questions	1. In the 6th minute. 2. They were stopping PSG's dangerous attacks. 3. They were shocked and completely silent. 4. By a penalty shootout. 5. They stood still, staring at the ground.
Exercise 2	Choose the Right Word	1 - b) dominated 2 - a) pressure 3 - c) heroic 4 - d) devastated 5 - b) penalty shootout