Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) emerged victorious in the Champions League final, defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time in Budapest. This win marks PSG’s second consecutive European championship.
PSG captain Marquinhos expressed his disbelief and joy over the achievement. “From the very first day of this season, the coach said it’s hard to win, and winning twice is even more difficult,” he stated, emphasizing the team’s determination and hard work.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes missed a crucial penalty, sending his shot over the bar and securing PSG’s victory.
It’s incredible,said Marquinhos.
PSG becomes the second team in the modern era to retain the Champions League title after Real Madrid. Coach Luis Enrique, now a three-time winner, praised his team’s season-long efforts and highlighted the challenges faced against Arsenal, who recently won the Premier League. Despite finishing the group stage ten points ahead of PSG, Arsenal could not maintain their lead at the Puskas Arena.
Enrique described the victory as “even more special” given the difficulty of the final. PSG had a tougher opponent in Arsenal who played excellent defense throughout the competition. The match kicked off with a goal from Arsenal’s Kai Havertz in the sixth minute, but PSG equalized with a penalty from Ousmane Dembélé in the 65th minute, taking the game into extra time.
PSG’s Dominance and Arsenal’s Resilience
The victory places Luis Enrique alongside renowned coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane, and Pep Guardiola with at least three Champions League titles. With an average starting lineup age of under 24, PSG has a promising future as a formidable force in European soccer.
PSG player Désiré Doué highlighted the young team’s ambition and hunger for more victories: “We’re going to enjoy it first, and after we’re going to work and work again because we want more.”
Arsenal’s European campaign continues without a trophy despite playing their 226th game in the competition. Manager Mikel Arteta urged the team to learn from the loss.
Arteta acknowledged PSG’s superiority, stating, “I want to congratulate PSG because they are, in my opinion, the best team in the world. What they are able to do with the ball, individual actions, I haven’t seen it before.”
Match Highlights
Arsenal’s early goal set the game’s tone, with the team comfortable defending against PSG’s attack. PSG managed only one shot on target in the first half. The breakthrough came when Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, allowing Dembélé to convert the penalty.
PSG had rare opportunities in regulation. Kvaratskhelia’s shot hit the post in the 77th minute and a missed chance by substitute Bradley Barcola kept fans tense. Arsenal held just 24.7% possession, a record low in a Champions League final since 2004, according to Opta.
The penalty shootout was tense, with Eberechi Eze missing for Arsenal and Nuno Mendes’ shot saved by David Raya. Lucas Beraldo’s conversion meant Gabriel needed to score to avoid defeat but hit it over the bar.
The PSG fans erupted in celebration as their team secured another title, with Marquinhos lifting the trophy amidst fireworks and confetti. French President Emmanuel Macron praised PSG’s triumph online, celebrating the team’s inspiring achievement.