One year after their emphatic victory against Inter Milan in Munich, Paris Saint-Germain faced an entirely different challenge in Budapest. Yet they demonstrated their championship pedigree in the crucible of a tight final, where nerves and experience decided the outcome. The Parisians join an exclusive club of nine teams to have won back-to-back European Cups, following in the footsteps of footballing giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and AC Milan.
A controlled start from Arsenal
Arsenal began with intent, and Kai Havertz justified Mikel Arteta’s bold decision to start him ahead of Viktor Gyökeres. The German striker capitalized on a Marquinhos clearance error, racing clear and firing past Matveï Safonov from the left flank (6’). The move showcased Arsenal’s direct approach, and Havertz became only the third player in Champions League final history to score for two different clubs, adding to a remarkable run of five goal contributions in his last six matches for the Gunners.
Paris Saint-Germain’s patience pays off
Arsenal’s high press and aggressive pressing stifled the PSG attack in the first half, limiting their creative trio of Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to few meaningful touches. But as the game wore on, Paris grew into it. Kvaratskhelia, so dangerous earlier in the tournament, was starved of space until a brilliant one-two with Dembélé led to a clear foul on the Georgian by Cristhian Mosquera inside the box (62’). The resulting penalty was awarded after VAR review, and Ousmane Dembélé stepped up to equalize with a precise right-footed strike (65’).
The second half saw a more fluid PSG, pressing higher and creating several chances. Kvaratskhelia narrowly missed a golden opportunity, hitting the post (77’), while Bradley Barcola was denied twice by David Raya’s sharp reactions. Despite the dominance, Paris could not find the winner before extra time, and fatigue began to show in both teams. Dembélé limped off before the shootout, leaving Luis Enrique with a crucial decision.
Masterclass in penalties secures immortal status
Paris Saint-Germain has now won four consecutive penalty shootouts across major competitions, including the UEFA Super Cup and domestic trophies. This time, Matveï Safonov remained unchallenged in goal, as Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both failed to hit the target. The French side’s composure under pressure once again proved decisive, allowing them to lift their second Champions League trophy in as many years and etch their name into European football history.
Controversial officiating adds to the drama
The match was not without controversy. Referee Daniel Siebert faced scrutiny for his leniency in a potential handball by Bukayo Saka inside his own box (16’), and for not penalizing a cynical foul by Mosquera that led to the penalty. Arsenal’s manager, visibly frustrated, made a double substitution following the incident. Late in extra time, a clear foul on Nuno Mendes went unwhistled, further fueling discontent among the Gunners’ camp.