Paris Saint-Germain Wins 2025-2026 Champions League After Penalty Shootout Against Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain claimed the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League trophy following a penalty shootout victory over Arsenal on Saturday. The match ended 1-1 after regular and extra time, with PSG winning the shootout 4-3.

The French club overcame an early goal from Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, who scored in the sixth minute. PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé equalized in the second half before the title was decided by penalties, crowning PSG European champions for the second consecutive season after an intense final.

The final took place at the Puskás Aréna, where Arsenal started strongly and quickly put pressure on their opponents. This pressure resulted in Havertz’s early strike, a powerful shot that found the top corner of the net, giving Arsenal a significant psychological advantage in the first half.

Under coach Mikel Arteta, Arsenal maintained control and created several opportunities to extend their lead. Meanwhile, PSG struggled offensively in the first half, lacking effectiveness and intensity in attack.

At the start of the second half, PSG showed determination to overturn the score and defend their title. Persistent pressure paid off in the 64th minute when Ousmane Dembélé scored a penalty after Arsenal defender Cristian Mosquera committed a foul inside the box.

Dembélé’s goal reset the match, igniting PSG’s motivation to become the first club since Real Madrid in 2018 to retain the Champions League crown.

The final ten minutes of regular time were highly dramatic. PSG players Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Barcola missed several chances, while Arsenal’s Martinelli and Jorginho created dangerous opportunities. However, neither side managed to break the deadlock, and the game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

During the first half of extra time, Arsenal’s Madueke generated multiple chances to score a second goal. In the 102nd minute, Arsenal players appealed for a penalty, but referee Daniel Siebert allowed play to continue despite protests that led to a yellow card for coach Arteta.

Arsenal continued to press, exploiting PSG’s fatigue, but failed to score. PSG substitute Warren Zaïre-Emery also had a promising chance late in the first extra period but could not convert. The match remained tied 1-1 after 120 minutes.

The penalty shootout concluded with Brazilian Gabriel missing Arsenal’s fifth penalty by shooting over the crossbar. PSG converted four penalties, winning the shootout 4-3 and securing their second consecutive Champions League title, while Arsenal once again fell short of European glory.