A Tale of Two Cities: Agony and ecstasy in the Champions League final

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Paris and London. Two capital cities that industrialised at different paces but nevertheless grew to become twinned epicentres of fashion, art and culture. Dickens and Orwell marvelled at the stark differences and acute similarities of these two sprawling metropolises.

Now, they're the talent factories for world football, and the platform for two cultural powerhouses that have become Europe's premium football institutions.

Both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, for different reasons, have been building towards this moment. For Arsenal, it was the culmination of a process. Arteta's process—one which delivered a first league title in 22 years. For PSG, it was a moment to cement their domination. Enrique's coaching prowess, with some state-backed financing, has built the best attacking team on the continent.

Paris celebrates. London (at least, North London) commiserates. Paris Saint-Germain become only the second team in the Champions League era to retain the trophy. Luis Enrique becomes only the fifth manager to win the European Cup on three occasions. His legacy, and that of Kvara, Dembélé, Marquinhos, is set.

And despite defeat, there's a nagging inevitability about Arsenal. They've been constructed to compete on this stage.

A well-deserved Premier League title is just the start.

And despite defeat, there's a nagging inevitability about Arsenal. They've been constructed to compete on this stage. A well-deserved Premier League title is just the start.

Get comfortable, folks. Both of these teams are here to stay. Paris and London are about to define a new era of European football.

Photography by Vittorio Moro (@vittoriomoro) in Paris, and Antonio Díaz-Madrid (@antoniodiazmadrid) in London.