- Safiu Kehinde
Paris Saint Germain has clinched their second UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal on penalties.
The Parisiens edged past the English Premier League champions via a tense 4-3 penalty shootout.
Both teams squared up against each other at Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday evening with Arsenal seeking to clinch its first Champions League title while PSG seeks to defend the trophy they won last season.
With barely 25 minutes into the game, German forward, Kai Havertz, put the Gunners into an early lead .
The former Chelsea man slotted the ball past PSG’s goalkeeper in what appeared like a replica of his title winning first half goal for the Blues against Manchester City in 2021.
However, Havertz’s Chaimpions League fairytale with Chelsea was averted by PSG who levelled the game in the 65th minute of the second half courtesy a penalty shoot from Ousmane Dembele.
The goal forced the game into 30 minutes extra time as both teams failed to find the back of the net again before the full time whistle.
While both teams kept each other at bay, a controversial moment emerged in the first 15 minutes after Noni Madueke was toppled in PSG’s box by Portugese defender, Nuno Mendes.
The referee however ruled out the Gunners penalty call with the game proceeding to the final 15 minutes.
For thr 12th time in its history, the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League would be decided by penalty shootout as the extra time ended in 1-1 draw.
Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze missed his penalty before Raya saved Nuno Mendes’ attempt.
Gabriel had to score to keep Arsenal’s hopes alive but, facing PSG’s end, he fired over and the French side were left to celebrate being European champions once again.