The match unfolded in stark contrast to last season’s free-flowing final. While the 2024 showpiece saw the Parisians overwhelm their opponents with five goals, this year’s clash against an organized Arsenal side proved far more tactical. The Londoners’ disciplined approach frustrated PSG’s creative trio of Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for much of the first half.

Arsenal stuns early with clinical counterattack

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta delivered a tactical surprise by starting Kai Havertz as the lone striker. The German international justified his manager’s faith within six minutes. After a Marquinhos clearance was headed away by Leandro Trossard, Havertz surged forward and unleashed a powerful strike past Matveï Safonov to give the Gunners the lead. The goal marked history as Havertz became only the third player to score in Champions League finals for two different clubs, following Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic.

PSG finds equalizer through Dembélé’s class

Paris appeared lifeless at the hour mark until Kvaratskhelia turned provider. The Georgian winger combined with Dembélé before being brought down by Cristhian Mosquera in the box (62nd minute). Despite Vitinha initially stepping up to take the resulting spot kick, the Portuguese playmaker deferred to Dembélé. The Ballon d’Or winner’s curled effort beat David Raya to level proceedings at 1-1 in the 65th minute.

From that point, PSG grew in confidence, though they were denied by the woodwork on multiple occasions. Kvaratskhelia rattled the post (77th) while Bradley Barcola saw his efforts saved by Raya at the near post (85th) and the bottom corner (90th+7). The final whistle saw both teams exhausted, setting up a tense penalty shootout where PSG’s superior record proved decisive.

PSG dominates shootouts once again

The Parisians extended their unbeaten streak in penalty shootouts to four major finals. Their perfect record included victories over Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup, Flamengo in the Club World Cup and Marseille in the Trophée des Champions earlier this season. Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Gabriel missed their attempts, leaving Safonov untouched in goal as PSG celebrated their second consecutive Champions League title.

The achievement enters footballing folklore

By retaining their crown, PSG joined an exclusive club of nine teams to have achieved back-to-back European Cup/Champions League triumphs. They now sit alongside legendary outfits including Real Madrid, Benfica, Inter Milan, Ajax Amsterdam, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and AC Milan in this elite group.

Controversial refereeing decisions frustrate both sides

German official Daniel Siebert’s performance came under scrutiny. His leniency when Bukayo Saka handled the ball in the box (16th minute) was particularly contentious, while a series of time-wasting incidents by Arsenal provoked frustration from the Parisian players. Though Siebert showed a yellow card to Mosquera for time-wasting (46th), he failed to send off the defender for a reckless challenge on Kvaratskhelia during the penalty incident. Arteta’s subsequent decision to substitute the defender suggested his awareness of the missed call. The Gunners’ manager was equally incensed when Noni Madueke went down in the box during extra time, only to be denied a penalty after consultation with the VAR.