PSG retain Champions League crown after penalty shootout drama against Arsenal in Budapest
Paris Saint-Germain became the first team since Real Madrid (2016-2018) to retain the UEFA Champions League, defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final at Budapest's Puskás Aréna.
Early shock and Parisian response
Paris Saint-Germain secured their second consecutive UEFA Champions League title, but only after a nerve-shredding final against Arsenal in Budapest. The English champions struck first, with Kai Havertz blasting a shot past goalkeeper Matvey Safonov in the sixth minute after a fortunate rebound off Marquinhos. The early goal threatened to derail PSG's dominance, but the French side methodically took control of possession and territory.
Dembélé draws level
PSG's pressure finally told in the 65th minute when Ousmane Dembélé converted a penalty after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger later saw a deflected shot hit the post as the Parisians pushed for a winner in normal time. Arsenal, playing with a compact defensive structure, held firm to force extra time, but neither side could find a breakthrough before the match went to a shootout.
- Kai Havertz scores for Arsenal in the 6th minute after a rebound off Marquinhos.
- Ousmane Dembélé equalises from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
- Full-time and extra time end 1-1; the final goes to a penalty shootout.
- PSG win the shootout 4-3 after Gabriel Magalhães misses the decisive penalty.
Penalty heartbreak for Arsenal
The shootout proved decisive. Nuno Mendes was the only PSG player to miss from the spot, but Arsenal's Eberechi Eze had already failed to convert, and Gabriel Magalhães blasted over with the final attempt to hand PSG a 4-3 victory on penalties. It marked the first Champions League final in a decade to be decided from the spot, and the first since 2014 where a team won after conceding the opening goal.
It is even bigger because we knew of the difficulties of playing against Arsenal, and for us as a team and a city it is incredible to win it.
Luis Enrique's growing legend
The triumph cements Luis Enrique's status among the managerial elite. He becomes only the fifth coach to win three European Cups, joining Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane, and Pep Guardiola. Having previously led Barcelona to the title in 2015, the Spaniard has now guided PSG to back-to-back crowns, a feat achieved without Kylian Mbappé, who departed the club before this cycle of success began.
It is a different emotion this time, it is incredible that we have done it back to back. We showed how much we wanted it.
Financial windfall for the champions
Victory in Budapest brought significant financial rewards. PSG earned €25 million for winning the final alone, part of a total Champions League campaign income of €103.8 million. This figure includes €18.62 million for participation, €8.4 million from four group-stage wins, €1.4 million from two draws, and €7.8 million from shares. An additional €4 million is guaranteed for qualifying for the UEFA Super Cup, with further revenue expected from the 'value pillar' distribution.
- Participation
- 18.62 €M
- Group stage wins
- 8.4 €M
- Group stage draws
- 1.4 €M
- Shares
- 7.8 €M
- Final victory
- 25 €M
- Super Cup qualification
- 4 €M
Arsenal's unbeaten run ends in despair
Arsenal arrived in Budapest as Premier League champions and the only team to complete the Champions League campaign unbeaten in regulation time. Yet history repeated itself: the Gunners lost their second final, two decades after their 2006 defeat to Barcelona. Mikel Arteta's side defended resolutely but managed only one shot on target, and their wait for a first European Cup continues.
