Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League crown on Saturday night after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
Arsenal made a dream start to the final, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Kai Havertz. The German forward capitalised on an opening in the PSG defence and fired the Gunners ahead, putting Mikel Arteta’s side on course for a historic European triumph.
However, the French champions responded in the second half as Ousmane Dembélé calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 65th minute to restore parity after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
With both sides unable to find a winner in regulation time and extra time, the final was decided by penalties.
PSG held their nerve in the shootout, converting four of their five spot-kicks, while Arsenal missed crucial attempts. Gabriel Magalhães’ missed penalty ultimately handed the Paris club a dramatic 4-3 victory and a second consecutive Champions League title.
The triumph makes PSG the first club since Real Madrid to retain the Champions League trophy, further cementing their growing dominance in European football under manager Luis Enrique.
For Arsenal, the defeat marks another painful chapter in their pursuit of a first-ever Champions League title despite an impressive campaign that saw them reach their first final in two decades.
