Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their Champions League crown after overcoming Arsenal in a dramatic final that was settled by penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna. The French side prevailed 4-3 in the shootout, with Gabriel Magalhães missing the decisive penalty that ultimately handed PSG a second consecutive European title.
The final, played before a packed stadium, marked the third Champions League final appearance for PSG and the second for Arsenal. The French club entered the match as defending champions after their emphatic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2025 final, while Arsenal were hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in their history after previously falling to Barcelona in the 2006 final.
Arsenal made the perfect start, taking the lead within minutes. A defensive mistake by PSG allowed the ball to break kindly for Kai Havertz, who surged forward and finished from close range to put the London side ahead 1-0. Following the early goal, Arsenal retreated deeper and focused on limiting space for PSG’s attacking players, frustrating the French champions for much of the first half.
The tactical approach worked well, with PSG struggling to create clear opportunities before halftime. Arsenal even came close to doubling their advantage in stoppage time, but Marquinhos produced a crucial intervention to deny Havertz a second goal.
