A year after their resounding triumph in Munich against Inter Milan (5-0), PSG faced a vastly different challenge in Budapest. While the 2024 final was marked by a flurry of goals, Saturday’s showdown was defined by tactical discipline and resilience. The Parisians relied on their championship experience to navigate a low-scoring encounter and emerge victorious in the penalty shootout, a format where Paris has consistently excelled.

PSG’s victory places them in an elite group of clubs that have successfully defended their Champions League title. Only nine teams have achieved this milestone, including legendary names like Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Liverpool. The French side now joins this prestigious list, further cementing their legacy in the competition.

Despite Mikel Arteta’s tactical surprises, including the selection of Kai Havertz as the lone striker, Arsenal took an early lead through the German forward. Havertz capitalized on a defensive error from PSG to open the scoring in the sixth minute, becoming the first player to score in a Champions League final for two different clubs—a feat previously accomplished only by Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic.

The English side’s high-pressing strategy stifled PSG throughout the first half, limiting their creative trio of Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia. Arsenal’s disciplined defensive shape frustrated Paris’s attacking efforts, though goalkeeper David Raya remained largely untested.

The tide turned in the 65th minute when Ousmane Dembélé, recipient of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, restored parity with a clinical finish. The second half saw PSG grow in confidence, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia coming close to scoring on multiple occasions before the match headed to extra time. Fatigue and nerves took their toll as both teams struggled to find a winner, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.

PSG’s penalty mastery shone through once again, as the club secured their fourth consecutive victory in the format. The shootout’s outcome was sealed when Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Gabriel failed to convert, while PSG’s players maintained their composure to lift their second straight Champions League trophy.

The match was not without controversy. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka handled the ball in his own box in the 16th minute, yet referee Daniel Siebert chose not to penalize the offense. PSG’s frustration grew as time-wasting tactics from the English side went unchecked. Siebert also faced criticism for not awarding a second yellow card to Arsenal’s Cristhian Mosquera for a reckless tackle on Kvaratskhelia, which would have resulted in a sending-off. Mikel Arteta’s side escaped further punishment when Noni Madueke went down in the box in the 103rd minute, with no penalty awarded despite clear contact with Nuno Mendes.

A new chapter in PSG’s Champions League legacy

PSG’s victory in Budapest marks another milestone in their Champions League journey. Under Luis Enrique, the club has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to perform under pressure, particularly in high-stakes finals. The back-to-back title cements their status as a dominant force in European football and sets the stage for future ambitions.