MUNICH, Germany: Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title on Saturday after defeating Arsenal 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a tense final that ended level after extra time.
The French giants became only the second club in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy, joining Real Madrid, who famously won three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018.
Arsenal appeared on course for a historic victory after taking the lead and frustrating the defending champions for much of the contest. The Premier League champions produced a disciplined defensive display and carried their advantage deep into the second half.
However, PSG eventually found a breakthrough when defender Cristhian Mosquera brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the penalty area.
Following a lengthy VAR review, referee pointed to the spot, and Ousmane Dembélé calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya the wrong way to level the scores.
The equaliser shifted momentum in PSG’s favour, but neither side could find a winner in normal time or extra time, forcing the Champions League final into a penalty shootout.
With nerves at their highest, PSG held their composure from 12 yards and emerged 4-3 winners in the shootout to secure back-to-back European crowns.
The triumph cements PSG’s place among Europe’s elite and adds another milestone to the club’s recent rise on the continental stage.
The final was also significant for another reason. It became the first Champions League final to be decided by penalties since Real Madrid defeated city rivals Atlético Madrid in the 2016 final.
Historically, PSG now joins an exclusive group of clubs to have successfully defended Europe’s most prestigious club trophy. Since the European Cup was first introduced in 1955, only 10 teams have managed to win consecutive titles.
For Arsenal, the defeat will be a painful one after coming within touching distance of a first Champions League title in modern history. Despite the heartbreak, Mikel Arteta’s side demonstrated their progress by pushing the holders all the way in one of the competition’s most dramatic finals in recent years.
For PSG, meanwhile, the victory confirms their dominance of European football and ensures they remain the team to beat heading into the 2026-27 season.
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