By. Wilber Tumutegyereize
Puskás Aréna, Budapest: Paris Saint-Germain have won the Champions League after beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Puskás Aréna.
Arsenal struck early. Kai Havertz gave Mikel Arteta’s side the lead after just 5 minutes, poking home after Matvey Safonov spilled Bukayo Saka’s cross. The Gunners then showed the composure that carried them to Budapest, controlling possession and frustrating PSG for long periods.
PSG levelled on 68 minutes through Ousmane Dembélés penalty. Extra time brought no winner despite late saves from both goalkeepers. Raya denied Dembélé; Matvey Safonov kept out Declan Rice’s header.
It went to penalties. PSG scored first through Gonçalo Ramos. Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres answered to make it 1-1. Désiré Doué then put PSG 2-1 up after Eberechi Eze missed for Arsenal. Nuno Mendes missed for PSG, but Declan Rice levelled at 2-2. Achraf Hakimi made it 3-2, Gabriel Martinelli 3-3. Lucas Beraldo scored PSG’s fourth, before Gabriel Magalhães’ penalty was saved to seal a 4-3 shootout win for PSG and their second Champions League title.
Arsenal’s run to the final included an unbeaten run. The wait for a first European Cup continues, but this team earned respect across Europe.
The squad returns to London tomorrow for a reception at the Emirates.
