New Delhi: PSG successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title after overcoming Arsenal in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the 2025-26 final at the Puskás Aréna, Budapest, on Saturday.
Arsenal made a bright start and took the lead early in the contest. Leandro Trossard’s pressing created the opening before Kai Havertz finished from a difficult angle to put the Premier League champions ahead, according to reports.
The London club carried the advantage into the break as PSG dominated possession but struggled to break through a disciplined Arsenal defence led by Gabriel and William Saliba. Havertz nearly doubled the lead before halftime, but a crucial intervention from Marquinhos kept Paris within reach.
The defending champions found a route back into the match during the second half when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was brought down inside the penalty area. Ousmane Dembélé stepped up and converted the spot kick to level the scores at 1-1.
Paris continued to control possession and came close to taking the lead when Kvaratskhelia’s effort struck the post during a swift counterattack. Vitinha and substitute Gonçalo Ramos also threatened, but neither side could find a winner in regulation time.
Extra time followed a similar pattern, with PSG enjoying most of the ball while Arsenal remained organised defensively. Chances were limited, and the final eventually headed to a penalty shootout.
The shootout proved decisive in determining the destination of Europe’s biggest club prize. Arsenal missed key attempts, while Paris held their nerve to secure victory and become the first club since Real Madrid in 2018 to retain the Champions League title.
The triumph also marked another milestone for Coach Luis Enrique, who lifted the Champions League trophy for the third time in his managerial career. He previously guided Barcelona to European glory in 2015 and led Paris to the title a season ago.
For Arsenal, the defeat ended hopes of completing a memorable campaign with a first Champions League crown, despite reaching the final after winning the Premier League title for the first time in more than two decades.
