Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal in Budapest to retain the UEFA Champions League title, winning 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw. The French champions became only the second club in the modern era to secure back-to-back victories.
Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a dream start in the sixth minute. The forward capitalized on a deflection from Marquinhos’ clearance that bounced off Leandro Trossard. Havertz controlled the ball and struck a powerful shot into the roof of the net past goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. His goal marked Arsenal’s only shot on target in the match.
Paris Saint-Germain struggled to break down Arsenal’s defense until the 65th minute. Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the box. After a VAR review, Ousmane Dembele converted the penalty, sending goalkeeper David Raya the wrong way. The equalizer shifted momentum but neither side found a winner in extra time.
The shootout unfolded in front of PSG supporters at the Puskas Arena. Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze missed his attempt wide, while David Raya briefly kept hopes alive by saving Nuno Mendes’ shot. At 3-3, Lucas Beraldo scored for PSG before Gabriel Magalhães blasted his penalty over the crossbar. PSG secured a 4-3 victory and lifted the trophy for the second consecutive season.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice described the defeat as “devastating” but praised his teammates’ efforts across the season. He emphasized that missing penalties in finals was part of football history and expressed pride in the squad’s achievements, including their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Paris Saint-Germain had won their first Champions League title last year against Inter Milan. With this triumph, they joined Real Madrid as the only clubs to win consecutive titles in the rebranded competition. Arsenal extended their wait for a first European crown, having previously lost the 2006 final to Barcelona.
