PSG retains Champions League title after penalty shootout victory over Arsenal

Sports

BUDAPEST, Hungary (NPA) — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) retained the UEFA Champions League title on Saturday after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a dramatic final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

Arsenal made a dream start to the contest, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Kai Havertz, whose clinical finish gave the Premier League side an early advantage.

PSG levelled in the 65th minute when Ousmane Dembélé converted from the penalty spot after Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera was adjudged to have fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the box.

Both sides created chances to win the match in regulation and extra time, with Kvaratskhelia striking the post for PSG and Bradley Barcola denied by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

However, neither side could find a decisive goal, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Arsenal’s hopes suffered a major setback when Eberechi Eze missed his effort, while PSG converted four of their spot-kicks.

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi scored the winning penalty to seal a historic victory for the French champions.

“This team has shown resilience and belief throughout the competition. Winning back-to-back Champions League titles is a special achievement for the club,” Hakimi said after the match.

The triumph makes PSG only the second club in the modern Champions League era, after Real Madrid, to successfully defend the European crown.

For Arsenal, the defeat extended the club’s wait for a first UEFA Champions League title despite an impressive campaign that saw the Gunners reach their first final in two decades.