PSG retain their Champions League crown on penalties

Paris Saint-Germain has retained their Champions League title, overcoming Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw in the final held in Budapest.

Arsenal took an early lead in the sixth minute through Kai Havertz, who finished expertly after a fortunate deflection. This goal marked Arsenal's only shot on target throughout the match. PSG equalized in the second half with an Ousmane Dembele penalty, setting the stage for extra time.

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Arsenal had been in dreamland after just 302 seconds when Havertz vindicated Mikel Arteta’s decision to pick him ahead of marquee summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.

The penalty shootout proved decisive for Arsenal's hopes. Eberechi Eze dragged his spot-kick wide, and although goalkeeper David Raya saved Nuno Mendes' penalty to keep the score level at 3-3, PSG ultimately secured the win. Lucas Beraldo converted his penalty, and Gabriel then blazed his effort over the crossbar, sealing Arsenal's heartbreak.

This victory marks PSG's second consecutive Champions League triumph, following their win last season. For Arsenal, the defeat ends their dream of adding European glory to their Premier League title, with key players like Gabriel visibly distraught after the final whistle.

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With the shoot-out in the balance at 3-3, Lucas Beraldo sent Raya the wrong way before Gabriel blazed over and Arsenal’s dreams of following up their Premier League title with a first Champions League triumph came to a crushing end.