PSG retained the Champions League title after beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a dramatic final in Budapest.
Paris Saint-Germain retained the UEFA Champions League title after edging Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time in Budapest. The French champions became only the second club in the Champions League era to successfully defend the trophy, matching a feat previously achieved by Real Madrid.
For Arsenal, the defeat was heartbreaking. Mikel Arteta's side came within a penalty shootout of completing a memorable Premier League and Champions League double but ultimately fell short at the final hurdle.
The Gunners made a dream start at the Puskás Aréna. Just six minutes into the final, Kai Havertz raced behind the PSG defence and fired a superb finish into the roof of the net after being released by Leandro Trossard.
It was another memorable Champions League final goal for Havertz, who also scored the winner for Chelsea against Manchester City in 2021. Arsenal's early breakthrough rewarded a bright opening spell and briefly silenced the large PSG support inside the stadium.
However, the goal only seemed to awaken the holders. PSG gradually established control through their relentless passing game and territorial dominance, forcing Arsenal into a deep defensive shape.
Luis Enrique's side controlled possession for long periods and patiently searched for an opening. Arsenal's defence, led superbly by Gabriel and William Saliba, repeatedly blocked shots and cleared dangerous deliveries.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 65th minute. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia burst into the penalty area and was brought down by Cristhian Mosquera. Referee Daniel Siebert immediately pointed to the spot.
Ousmane Dembele stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to level the match at 1-1. The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in PSG's favour as the French champions pushed for a winner. Kvaratskhelia later struck the post, while Vitinha went close from distance. Arsenal struggled to create meaningful attacks and relied heavily on their defensive organisation to survive.
The statistics underlined PSG's dominance throughout the contest. The French side finished with around 75% possession, 21 shots compared to Arsenal's seven, and an expected goals figure of 1.77 against Arsenal's 0.44.
PSG also completed more than 850 passes and spent most of the evening camped inside Arsenal territory. Despite that control, Arsenal's disciplined defending and David Raya's goalkeeping ensured the match reached extra time.
The Gunners thought they might have earned a late penalty when Noni Madueke went down under pressure from Nuno Mendes, but their appeals were dismissed.
Extra time failed to separate the teams, sending the final to penalties. The shootout swung dramatically as Eberechi Eze dragged Arsenal's second kick wide, only for Raya to save from Nuno Mendes moments later.
The next penalties were converted before Gabriel stepped forward with Arsenal's fifth attempt. The Brazilian, outstanding throughout the match, blasted his effort over the crossbar to hand PSG a 4-3 shootout victory.
Vitinha was named Player of the Match, while Kvaratskhelia was named the Champions League’s best player after capping an outstanding European campaign where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists to help PSG secure a second consecutive continental crown.
PSG end the season with another league and European double and will now target an unprecedented third straight Champions League title next season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, must recover from the disappointment. After winning the Premier League and reaching their first Champions League final in 20 years, Arteta's side have shown they belong among Europe's elite and will be determined to return stronger in 2026-27.
