Home
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain once again conquered Europe, defeating Arsenal on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final at Budapest's Puskás Aréna.
The victory secured Luis Enrique’s side’s second consecutive European title and further cemented their status among the continent's elite clubs. It was a huge heartbreak for the Gunners as they reached so close to winning their first-ever UCL title, yet a crucial penalty miss broke their dreams.
The last time the 2025-26 Premier League winners reached the UCL final was in 2006, when they faced Barcelona at the Stade de France, losing 2-1 to the Spanish giants.
PSG defeats Arsenal on penalties to win Champions League title in a row
The 2025-26 final began at a frantic pace, with Arteta’s side striking first in the sixth minute. Kai Havertz capitalized on an early opportunity to give the Premier League team a dream start, sending thousands of traveling supporters into celebration.
Arsenal looked composed and disciplined throughout much of the first half, frustrating PSG's attack and carrying their lead into the break. Luis Enrique’s side responded after halftime with the resilience that has defined their recent European success.
Their breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute when Ousmane Dembélé calmly converted a penalty, leveling the score after sustained pressure from the French side. The equalizer shifted momentum, turning the contest into a tense tactical battle between two of Europe's most talented squads.
Neither side could find a winner during the remaining minutes of regulation or throughout extra time. Arsenal came close on several occasions, while PSG continued to threaten through their fluid attacking movement. As exhaustion set in, the final drifted toward the ultimate test of nerve: a penalty shootout where Arteta’s side lost it.
PSG won the penalties 4-3: what happened in the shootout?
Following the goalless extra time, PSG went on to win the championship match on penalties 4-3. Gonçalo Ramos from PSG scored it to make it 1-0. Viktor Gyökeres answered for the opponents to level the score. It was followed by Désiré Doué's successful shot, with Eberechi Eze missing it for Arsenal.
David Raya saved Nuno Mendes' shot to bring Arsenal back into the game, which was followed by Declan Rice's stunning kick. Achraf Hakimi scored for PSG, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring for Arsenal. Later, Lucas Beraldo scored the final penalty for the Ligue 1 side while Gabriel Magalhaes missed another one for the Gunners, causing them heartbreak.
ALSO READ: When and where will 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony take place? Here is all you need to know
ADVERTISEMENT
