One year after their triumphant victory in Munich against Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain faced a far more challenging path to glory in Budapest. Yet, the club demonstrated once again why experience is the ultimate weapon in high-stakes football, claiming a second consecutive Champions League crown in a nail-biting shootout that ended 4-3 (1-1 after extra time).

A tale of two halves: Arsenal’s dominance and PSG’s resilience

The match unfolded in stark contrast to PSG’s explosive semi-final against Bayern Munich, where they had scored five goals. Arsenal, however, stifled Paris through a well-organized defensive system and relentless pressing. Kai Havertz, deployed as a lone striker by Mikel Arteta, struck first in the sixth minute, capitalizing on a Marquinhos error before rounding goalkeeper Matveï Safonov to double Arsenal’s lead in their last six matches.

The German forward etched his name into Champions League history by becoming the first player to score in the final for two different clubs — a feat previously achieved only by Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, Real Madrid) and Mario Mandzukic (Juventus, Bayern Munich). His goal also marked his contribution to Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph.

PSG’s fightback and the shootout mastery

Paris remained silent for the majority of the game, but Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, ignited their comeback in the 65th minute. His cross was met by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was brought down in the box by Cristhian Mosquera. The Georgian international’s resulting penalty was converted with precision, beating David Raya to restore parity.

Kvaratskhelia nearly completed the turnaround moments later, hitting the post with a powerful left-foot effort in the 77th minute. Bradley Barcola also rattled the crossbar twice, while Vitinha came close with a header that just missed the target. As fatigue set in during extra time, the match culminated in a shootout — an exercise where PSG has become nearly unbeatable.

PSG’s penalty supremacy on full display

Paris Saint-Germain confirmed their reputation as penalty specialists, winning their fourth consecutive shootout to lift a trophy. This included victories in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham, the Intercontinental Cup against Flamengo, and the Trophée des Champions against Marseille. Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both failed to find the net, leaving Safonov with no saves to make.

Controversial moments overshadow the final

German referee Daniel Siebert’s performance drew criticism. He overlooked a potential handball by Bukayo Saka in the 16th minute, and Arsenal benefited from time-wasting tactics that frustrated the Parisians. While Mosquera escaped a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Kvaratskhelia, Siebert also declined to penalize a foul on Noni Madueke in the 103rd minute. Mikel Arteta, visibly incensed, reacted by taking Mosquera off immediately after the incident.

Despite the tension and controversy, Paris Saint-Germain once again proved their mental fortitude and tactical discipline under Luis Enrique, securing their place among football’s immortals.