At precisely 9 p.m., the moment Gabriel’s left foot connected with the ball and catapulted PSG to seventh heaven, isolated shouts erupted from the pathways of Roland-Garros. Young fans sprinted through the crowds, security personnel in navy uniforms embraced with clenched fists, and the central court referee promptly paused the ongoing tennis match between Félix Auger-Aliassime and Brandon Nakashima, granting the crowd a fleeting but electrifying interlude.

While the cheers and anthems from Parc des Princes reverberated through the Porte d’Auteuil gates, the first fireworks lit up the distant skyline. Distant booms without visuals. Echoes of joy, but no visuals—just like last year when the same finale (PSG 5-0 Inter Milan) unfolded without a single screen at Roland-Garros.

A silent tennis temple momentarily shaken

Between 6 and 9 p.m., during the Champions League finale, Roland-Garros maintained its usual hushed elegance, as if the PSG-Arsenal showdown had never occurred. The tennis magic on court—epitomized by Moïse Kouame, Coco Gauff, and Félix Auger-Aliassime—held the crowd spellbound.

Amidst the tennis frenzy, a handful of fans sported PSG jerseys emblazoned with names like Kimpembe or Pauleta, while others proudly wore Arsenal’s colors, including one emblazoned with Bergkamp’s iconic name.

On Court Suzanne-Lenglen, where Kouame and Alejandro Tabilo battled fiercely, some spectators glued their eyes to their smartphones when Ousmane Dembélé equalized for PSG (65′). A subdued reaction, almost too calm—hardly surprising given the circumstances.

The only live broadcast: tucked away in the press room

To witness the Champions League finale live at Roland-Garros yesterday, one had to descend into the press room beneath Philippe-Chatrier court. It was there—the only place in the entire stadium with a handful of screens broadcasting the match—that fans experienced the tension and excitement firsthand. The finale divided the room: English press huddled on one side, French supporters on the other, united in jubilation as PSG clinched their second consecutive European crown.