Newsletters
Paris Saint-Germain retained the UEFA Champions League title on Saturday, beating Arsenal 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the final ended 1-1 following extra time at Budapest's Puskas Arena.
The French champions recovered from an early setback and held their nerve from the spot to secure back-to-back European crowns, becoming only the second club after Real Madrid to win consecutive Champions League titles in the modern era.
Arsenal made a stronger start and moved ahead in the sixth minute when Kai Havertz capitalized on a defensive mistake before firing past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.
Mikel Arteta's side then frustrated the French champions for much of the first half, limiting clear opportunities despite PSG enjoying the majority of possession. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of PSG's standout performers throughout the tournament, found little room to operate against Arsenal's disciplined back line.
PSG appealed for a penalty before halftime after the ball struck Bukayo Saka's arms inside the box, but referee Daniel Siebert waved away the claims.
Luis Enrique's team stepped up the pressure after the break and eventually found an equalizer in the 65th minute.
Kvaratskhelia combined with Ousmane Dembele before Cristhian Mosquera brought down the Georgian winger inside the area. Dembele converted the resulting penalty, sending David Raya the wrong way to make it 1-1.
PSG nearly completed the turnaround shortly afterward, but Kvaratskhelia's effort struck the post. Bradley Barcola also missed a late opportunity as the French side continued to threaten while Arsenal gradually tired.
Neither side could find a winner during extra time, sending the final to a penalty shootout.
The shootout swung in PSG's favor when Eberechi Eze missed for Arsenal. Although Raya kept Arsenal alive with a save from Nuno Mendes, the Premier League side failed to capitalize.
After Lucas Beraldo converted to put PSG ahead 4-3, Arsenal defender Gabriel blasted his team's fifth penalty over the crossbar, handing the trophy to the French club.
The victory capped another successful campaign for Luis Enrique, who claimed his third Champions League title as a coach.
PSG players and staff celebrated with supporters before UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin presented medals and the trophy during the post-match ceremony. PSG captain Marquinhos then lifted the trophy alongside teammates, coaching staff and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
For Arsenal, the defeat marked a second loss in a Champions League final, 20 years after falling to FC Barcelona in the 2006 showpiece.
With its Champions League triumph, PSG secured a place in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, where it will face Aston Villa. The English club booked its spot in the season-opening fixture after defeating Germany's Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final in Istanbul.
The Super Cup match is scheduled for Aug. 12 at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria, and pits the reigning Champions League winner against the Europa League winner.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
