Paris Saint-Germain has once again claimed the Champions League title, triumphing in a highly dramatic final decided by a penalty shootout. A missed penalty by Arsenal’s Gabriel proved decisive in determining the champion.
A nail-biting contest in Budapest saw Paris Saint-Germain successfully defend its place on the European football throne, adding another glorious chapter to its era of success, despite an early goal from Kai Havertz.
PSG defeated FC Arsenal 4-3 in the penalty shootout in the Champions League final. The score was tied 1-1 after extra time (1-1 at halftime, 0-1 down after the first half). The Londoners, featuring German international Havertz, continue to wait for their first Champions League trophy, while the French champions have now been crowned for the second time.
The multi-billion euro project, funded by Qatar, which has truly formed a cohesive unit under coach Luis Enrique, has now joined an exclusive club in Budapest: PSG is the second team after Real Madrid to win consecutive Champions League titles.
Kai Havertz Briefly Ignited Arsenal’s Hopes After Six Minutes
Havertz initially set the tone for the showdown in the Hungarian capital. The German striker capitalized on the game’s first chance with a powerful shot from a tight angle (6th minute), becoming the first German to score in two Champions League finals.
However, as Ousmane Dembélé equalized for Paris from the penalty spot (65th minute), the match ultimately went to penalties. At 4-3 in the shootout, Arsenal’s Gabriel stepped up to the spot – and sent the ball over the crossbar. The rest was a celebration of blue.
Paris had previously swept aside Inter Milan 5-0 in 2025, and a massive blue-red party is now planned near the Eiffel Tower for Sunday. Havertz, meanwhile, missed out on his second Champions League title after winning it in 2021 with Chelsea (a 1-0 victory over Manchester City).
Arsenal Entered the Final Undefeated in the Champions League
Among the 61,035 fans in the sold-out Puskas Arena were notable sports personalities, including stars like Thierry Henry and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. From afar, the German national team players were cheering on their teammate Havertz. «I hope he comes back with a successful experience and brings the title with him. And then starts the tournament with positive energy,» said captain Joshua Kimmich. The German squad watched the match together in their team hotel in Frankfurt.
Approximately 1000 kilometers southeast, Havertz, who had missed 35 league games due to injury, earned Arteta’s trust and started in the lineup – a decision that paid off. Although Arsenal had reached the final undefeated and with only six goals conceded, the English side entered the duel as the challengers. «We are here to take the title from them,» said Arteta.
The early lead was extremely beneficial for the competition’s best defense. Arsenal defended in a deep block, often with Havertz positioned just a few meters from their own penalty area. Paris’s playmakers struggled to make the most of their possession, which at times reached nearly 80 percent.
Arsenal Protested Decisions by the German Referee
German referee Daniel Siebert allowed for international toughness in his tackle assessments but intervened early to prevent time-wasting by the Gunners: defender Cristhian Mosquera received a yellow card (47th minute). This led to outrage from the Londoners.
He then brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the penalty area. Siebert decisively pointed to the spot, and Dembélé coolly converted into the bottom left corner. PSG then gained momentum, with Kvaratskhelia hitting the post (77th minute). However, the match proceeded to extra time, during which Havertz remained on the bench, visibly fatigued. Arsenal vehemently, but unsuccessfully, demanded a penalty from Siebert when Noni Madueke went down (102nd minute). No further goals were scored before the penalty shootout.