PSG wins back-to-back Champions League titles in Budapest

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) beat Arsenal 4-3 on penalties to win their second consecutive Champions League title after a 1-1 draw in a tense final in Budapest on Saturday, 30 May 2026. This victory cemented PSG's status among the giants of European football. The match ended in a draw after extra time, leading to the shootout where Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes fired the last penalty over the bar.

PSG became the first club to retain the trophy since Real Madrid completed their three-year reign from 2016 to 2018. Under the guidance of Spanish coach Luis Enrique, PSG has successfully paired attacking brilliance with resilience, establishing themselves as a dominant force in European football. "It's stronger than last year because we knew before the match just how difficult it would be to play against Arsenal," Enrique remarked. He expressed pride in the team's performance throughout the season.

Arsenal, who celebrated their first Premier League title in 22 years just before the final, initially took the lead through Kai Havertz's sixth-minute goal. The Gunners' defense managed to stifle PSG’s attack effectively during the first half. Despite dominating possession, PSG struggled against Arsenal's well-organized defense until Ousmane Dembélé equalized with a penalty in the 65th minute, pushing the match into extra time for the first time in ten years.

Earlier in the match, Eberechi Eze missed a penalty for Arsenal, but David Raya's saved shot from PSG's Nuno Mendes kept the score level. Gabriel's penalty miss sent PSG players and fans into jubilation inside the Puskas Arena.

PSG faced a stiffer challenge in this final compared to their previous matches against Chelsea and Liverpool. Arsenal's Mikel Arteta was proud of his team despite the loss, emphasizing their consistent performance throughout the competition. "It is very tough to accept when you are so consistent all the way to the final and then lose on penalties," Arteta said.

PSG’s captain Marquinhos emphasized the significant effort put into winning the title, stating, "Winning twice is even harder." He thanked the fans and urged them to enjoy the victory responsibly. The French president also congratulated PSG, stating, "A new star shines over Paris." This year’s Champions League victory is seen as a testament to PSG's growth and development under Enrique's management.