The Parisians, fresh off their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in 2025, entered the final expecting a similar offensive spectacle against Mikel Arteta’s disciplined Gunners. Instead, they encountered a resolute English side that frustrated their attacks for long stretches, particularly in the first half. Arsenal’s pressing game stifled the PSG trio of Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, leaving the French champions with minimal creative outlets.

Arsenal strikes first in Budapest

Kai Havertz gave Arsenal the perfect start. The German striker capitalized on a Marquinhos clearance to race into space before curling a powerful shot past Matveï Safonov in the sixth minute. The goal marked a significant milestone for Havertz, who became only the third player in Champions League history to score in finals for two different clubs—following Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, Real Madrid) and Mario Mandžukić (Juventus, Bayern Munich). His decisive contributions had already helped Chelsea claim the 2021 title, and now he had added another major trophy to his collection.

PSG responds with tactical maturity

Despite their early deficit, Paris refused to panic. The French side gradually found their rhythm, and the introduction of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia injected fresh energy into their attack. The Georgian winger’s persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when he was brought down in the box by Cristhian Mosquera. The resulting penalty was initially awarded to Vitinha, but VAR intervention handed the ball to Ousmane Dembélé, who equalized with a clinical right-footed strike in the 65th minute. From that moment, PSG grew in confidence, creating several chances to win the game in regular time, including a Kvaratskhelia effort that rattled the crossbar.

Shootout mastery seals historic achievement

With fatigue setting in for both teams, the match drifted toward a penalty shootout. Paris, already unbeaten in five consecutive shootout victories across all competitions this season, once again demonstrated their ice-cold composure. Safonov remained unchallenged in goal, while Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Gabriel missed their attempts, sealing the French side’s place in Champions League folklore. The 4-3 shootout victory marked PSG’s sixth consecutive triumph in the format, extending a record that has become a defining feature of their recent success.

A place among Europe’s elite

By retaining their crown, Paris Saint-Germain joined an elite group of nine clubs to achieve back-to-back Champions League titles, a list that includes legendary names such as Real Madrid, AC Milan and Liverpool. The victory in Budapest was less about style and more about substance—a testament to the club’s mental resilience and ability to grind out results when their backs are against the wall. For Luis Enrique, it was another final won, further cementing his reputation as one of the most successful coaches in European football.

Key moments

• 6’: Havertz opens the scoring for Arsenal with a clinical finish after a defensive error.
• 62’: Kvaratskhelia is brought down in the box, leading to a penalty awarded to Vitinha before VAR intervention changes the decision.
• 65’: Dembélé equalizes for PSG, restoring parity in the final.
• 90+7’: Kvaratskhelia hits the crossbar in stoppage time, nearly sending the game to extra time.
• Shootout: PSG converts all four of their penalties while Arsenal misses two, securing the historic double.