Paris Saint-Germain retained the European crown in Budapest, beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw following 120 minutes at the Puskas Arena. The final went the distance in front of a packed crowd as both teams chased a historic triumph — Arsenal their first Champions League title, PSG aiming to defend last season’s success.
Arsenal struck early when Kai Havertz finished from a tight angle in the sixth minute. A misplaced clearance from Marquinhos ricocheted off Martin Odegaard and into Havertz’s path, and the striker produced a composed finish over goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The goal made Havertz only the third player to score for two different clubs in a Champions League final, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic.
For long spells Arsenal were the more organised side, containing PSG’s attacking threats with a disciplined defensive display. PSG were eventually awarded a penalty after Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box; Ousmane Dembele stepped up and drilled the spot-kick low and true to level the score.
The match opened up as fatigue set in, producing chances for both sides and a frantic extra-time period. Arsenal had a penalty shout waved away early in extra time when Noni Madueke went down after a tussle with Nuno Mendes; neither the referee nor VAR intervened, and Declan Rice and manager Mikel Arteta were later booked for their protests.
With the score tied at 1-1 after extra time — the first Champions League final with both sides scoring since 2018 — the trophy was decided by a shootout. Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze missed the Gunners’ second penalty, but David Raya kept Arsenal in it with a crucial save to deny Mendes. The shootout swayed back and forth until Gabriel’s decisive fifth penalty sailed over the bar into the crowd, leaving PSG to celebrate successive European titles.
It was a cruel ending for Gabriel, who had been one of Arsenal’s standouts on the night. Teammates and staff rallied around him afterwards as the club reflected on a season of major progress that included winning the Premier League.
Reactions
– Mikel Arteta said the defeat was hard to take but urged reflection on what the team had achieved across the campaign. He praised his players’ consistency and encouraged them to learn and come back stronger.
– Declan Rice described the loss as “devastating” but insisted it would not define the group. He emphasised the long-term progress — quarter-final, semi-final, now final — and vowed the club would keep building.
– Martin Odegaard reminded supporters that the season had been remarkable, pointing to the Premier League title and the club’s overall achievements while promising to support team-mates who missed penalties.
– PSG boss Luis Enrique called the victory even sweeter than last year’s, praising his players’ resilience against a tough Arsenal side. Goncalo Ramos, one of PSG’s substitutes, described the win as a dream and said he relishes big moments.
Key moments and context
– Havertz’s early finish (6) put Arsenal ahead.
– Dembele converted a penalty after Mosquera’s foul on Kvaratskhelia.
– Extra-time penalty appeal for Arsenal was not reviewed.
– Shootout: Eze missed for Arsenal; Raya saved Mendes; Gabriel missed the decisive fifth penalty.
– The final marked another major step for Arsenal’s project, despite the heartbreak of losing on penalties.
Looking ahead
PSG leave Budapest as champions for a second straight year, while Arsenal will regroup after a season that nevertheless delivered domestic success and clear progress in Europe. Players, staff and supporters now turn their attention to the summer and preparations for the next campaign.