Paris Saint-Germain are champions of Europe for the second consecutive season. Arsenal’s 140-year wait for a major European trophy goes on.
The Puskas Arena witnessed a final of shifting momentum, narrow margins, and ultimately, penalty shootout cruelty. After 120 minutes, the sides could not be separated at 1-1; PSG held their nerve from 12 yards to win 4-3 and become only the second club in Champions League history to retain the trophy.
Mikel Arteta’s game plan was to attack early. It worked in six minutes. A loose ball in midfield was seized by Kai Havertz, who embarked on a driving run from the halfway line. The German outpaced Marquinhos, held off Achraf Hakimi, and thumped a rising finish past the goalkeeper. Arsenal led with their first attack.
The Gunners then retreated into a disciplined low block. PSG enjoyed 77 per cent possession in the first half but managed only a single shot on target.
Luis Enrique adjusted at the break, pushing Nuno Mendes higher and instructing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to drift inside. The pressure built.
In the 65th minute, Cristhian Mosquera, Arsenal’s makeshift right-back, clumsily brought down Kvaratskhelia inside the area. Ousmane Dembele stepped up and sent David Raya the wrong way from the spot.
The equaliser energised PSG. Kvaratskhelia almost won it in the 78th minute, his prodded effort deflecting onto the post. Bradley Barcola then missed two glorious chances on the break, shooting straight at Raya and then wide.
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Extra time and a penalty shootout
Arsenal appealed furiously for a penalty when Noni Madueke went down under a challenge from Mendes. Referee Daniel Siebert waved play on, and VAR agreed. No further chances materialised.
The shootout was decided by two moments. Eberechi Eze, after a stuttering run-up, dragged his effort wide. PSG’s Nuno Mendes then saw his kick saved by Raya, keeping Arsenal alive. Declan Rice, Achraf Hakimi and Gabriel Martinelli all scored. Lucas Beraldo sent Raya the wrong way to make it 4-3. Gabriel stepped up. He had to score, but he missed.
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Arsenal’s players collapsed. Rice wept on his knees. Arteta walked the pitch, consoling each of his men. “It’s very difficult to accept,” he said. “We were so consistent. No one can take that pain away.”
For PSG, history. For Arsenal, more heartbreak. For football, a final remembered as much for an embrace as for the trophy.
