Paris Saint-Germain are UEFA Champions League winners for the second successive season after edging Arsenal in penalties. The two sides battled to a 1-1 result after 120 minutes before the French club emerged victorious in the shootout, 4-3.
Victory in Budapest means that Luis Enrique’s men have now qualified for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026™.
Arsenal could not have asked for a better start, as a fortuitous deflection fell perfectly for Kai Havertz, who surged down the left and blasted into the roof of the PSG net.
PSG were left stunned by the Gunners’ early strike but soon began to impose their will in typical PSG fashion, with dominant possession and tempo. Arsenal were tested by PSG’s poking and prodding and came through with flying colours to reach intermission unscathed.
The French champions kept their cool and levelled just after the hour-mark when Cristhian Mosquera brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the area and Ousmane Dembele coolly converted the penalty.
The equaliser opened things up and Kvaratskhelia came within a whisker of PSG’s second with an effort that rang off the post, followed by Vitinha curling one just over the crossbar.
Matters could not be settled in the 90 minutes, nor in extra time, so spot kicks would decide the European champion for the first time since 2016. PSG would hold their nerve, converting four attempts, while a pair of misfires from the Gunners clinched the crown saw the holders earn the trophy once again.
What they said
“It’s a different feeling… We’ve gone from zero Champions League titles to two, it’s unbelievable! Back-to-back! We showed just how much we wanted it. From the very first day we came together this season, the coach kept telling us that winning is hard, but winning it twice is even harder.
“That’s why we all have to keep pushing ourselves. That was the goal, that was the mindset, and we showed it today. We were a complete team tonight. The players who came off the bench showed exactly what this team is all about. You look at Gonzalo [Ramos], Lucas Beraldo, the guys who came on, did their job and stepped up to take their penalties…
Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain captain
“This one feels even more special! Because before the match we knew how difficult it would be to face a team like Arsenal. For us as a team, this victory is incredible, and I think it’s fully deserved based on everything we’ve done throughout the season. The final was extremely competitive, but now it’s time to celebrate with our supporters!”
Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain coach
