PSG beat Arsenal on penalties to win back-to-back Champions League titles

Paris Saint-Germain rallied from an early deficit and defeated Arsenal in a penalty shootout to retain the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Photo: AFP

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended its European crown after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Champions League Final at the Puskás Aréna.

Arsenal made the perfect start when Kai Havertz scored inside the opening minutes, giving Mikel Arteta's side an early advantage and raising hopes of a historic first Champions League title.

The Gunners defended superbly for long stretches and frustrated PSG despite surrendering possession. However, the momentum shifted after halftime when a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia resulted in a penalty.

Ousmane Dembélé converted from the spot to level the match and ignite the Parisian comeback.

Neither side could find a winner during regulation or extra time, sending the final into a dramatic penalty shootout.

PSG converted through Gonçalo Ramos, Désiré Doué, Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Beraldo. Arsenal responded with goals from Viktor Gyökeres, Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli, but Gabriel Magalhães missed the decisive kick.

The victory delivered a second consecutive Champions League title for PSG and reinforced the club's emergence as Europe's dominant force under Luis Enrique.

The Spanish manager now owns three Champions League titles as a head coach and continues to build one of the most successful managerial résumés of the modern era.