Paris Saint-Germain have retained their UEFA Champions League crown after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw that stretched through 120 minutes of intense football.
The French champions showed resilience to recover from an early setback before holding their nerve in a dramatic shootout to successfully defend their European title.
Arsenal made a bright start, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Kai Havertz, who punished a defensive lapse with a powerful finish under the crossbar beyond Matvey Safonov.
PSG gradually grew into the game, with Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Vitinha orchestrating attacks, but struggled to break down Arsenal’s organised defence in the first half. Fabian Ruiz came close for the Parisians, while David Raya remained largely untroubled as Arsenal went into the break ahead.
The breakthrough for PSG came in the 65th minute after VAR awarded a penalty for a foul by Cristhian Mosquera. Dembélé converted calmly, slotting low into the corner to level the tie.
Both sides pushed for a winner in regulation and extra time, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hitting the post and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi narrowly missing a late chance. Substitutes Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze added late attacking threat for the Gunners, but neither side could find a decisive goal.
In the shootout, Gonçalo Ramos and Désiré Doué scored for PSG, while Gyökeres and Declan Rice converted for Arsenal. Safonov saved Eberechi Eze’s effort, though Raya kept Arsenal alive with a stop against Nuno Mendes.
Achraf Hakimi restored PSG’s advantage before Martinelli scored for Arsenal. Lucas Beraldo then converted PSG’s final kick, leaving Gabriel’s attempt to keep Arsenal in the contest, but the defender missed, sealing victory for the French side.
The win confirms PSG as back-to-back Champions League winners, cementing their dominance in European football.
