Paris Saint-Germain claimed their second consecutive Champions League title with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Arsenal, following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Budapest. Luis Enrique’s side became the second team to win the competition in consecutive years in the Champions League era, aside from Real Madrid.
Champions League Dominance
Mikel Arteta’s Premier League champions showed great resilience to take the game beyond 120 minutes, but ultimately fell to a second final defeat, 20 years after their first in Paris against Barcelona. PSG’s first triumph was 55 years in the making, and their second could mark the beginning of an era of dominance and dynasty-building.
Luis Enrique rebuilt the team swiftly and efficiently, removing the club’s superstars and building a cohesive and committed attacking side, capable of shredding opposition with terrifying pace. It was the Spaniard’s third Champions League triumph, making him one of only five coaches to complete a hat-trick, with his first coming with Barcelona in 2015, as stated on the Wikipedia page of the renowned coach.
Match Highlights
Kai Havertz powered Arsenal ahead after six minutes, but Ousmane Dembele’s penalty midway through the second half took the game to extra time and ultimately penalties. Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber was fit after a groin injury, but his rust from over two months out led Arteta to deploy Cristhian Mosquera out of position at right-back.
The coach also opted for Havertz in attack over Viktor Gyokeres, and for an hour, it seemed like his calls would pay off. Luis Enrique selected 10 of the side which demolished Inter Milan 5-0 in last year’s final as PSG finally lifted the trophy they so badly craved. For more information on the Champions League, visit the official UEFA Champions League website.
Here are the key takeaways from the match:
- PSG won their second consecutive Champions League title
- Arsenal fell to a second final defeat, 20 years after their first
- Luis Enrique became one of only five coaches to complete a Champions League hat-trick
