PSG Clinches Second Straight Champions League Title in Dramatic Penalty Shootout, but Violent Celebrations Across France Lead to Hundreds of Arrests
Paris Saint-Germain secured their second consecutive UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest, but violent celebrations across France led to mass arrests and injuries, overshadowing the triumph.
The match
The 2026 Champions League final at Budapest's Puskás Aréna pitted Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain against Premier League winners Arsenal. The match was a tense affair, with Kai Havertz giving Arsenal an early lead in the 6th minute. PSG equalized through Ousmane Dembélé in the 65th minute, and neither side could break the deadlock in regulation or extra time, leading to a penalty shootout decisive victory for the French club, 4-3.
Portuguese stars shine
Portuguese internationals played a pivotal role in the final. Vitinha was named man of the match for his commanding midfield performance, while Nuno Mendes, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos also contributed significantly. After the final whistle, a Brazilian influencer approached the three PSG Portuguese players asking for a photo in English, to which they collectively replied: "Speak Portuguese, damn it," according to reports.
Post-match violence
The victory was marred by widespread unrest across France. Authorities reported between 336 and 416 arrests, with over 235 in Paris alone. At least seven police officers were injured, including one struck by fireworks. Rioters clashed with police on the Champs-Élysées, at the Place de la République, and attempted to invade the Parc des Princes stadium. Around 22,000 police and gendarmes were deployed nationwide, with 8,000 in the capital region, yet chaos still erupted in 15 cities.
Rice's defiant message
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who played the full 120 minutes, addressed the media after the defeat.
He vowed the team would use the loss as motivation, saying,Congratulations to PSG, who have been the best team in Europe in recent years. They have the best attack in the world and you can't play them the same way you do other teams. We managed to nullify their chances and we also had our own.
We will use this defeat to push us in the coming seasons. Next year we will be even stronger and we will be ready. These are exciting times for this club.
Benfica's bonus
The win triggered a €2 million bonus clause in João Neves' transfer from Benfica to PSG, bringing the total fee to €70 million. The Portuguese midfielder joined PSG in 2024 for a base of €60 million plus add-ons; last year's title had already raised the sum to €64 million, with regular appearances adding another €4 million this season.
Historic achievement
PSG's victory makes them the ninth club to win consecutive European Cup titles, joining an elite group that includes Real Madrid, Benfica, Ajax, and Bayern Munich. The team was set to be received by French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday during a victory parade in Paris.
- Kai Havertz scores for Arsenal (6')
- Ousmane Dembélé equalizes (65')
- Match ends 1-1 after extra time
- PSG wins penalty shootout 4-3
