Paris Saint-Germain Defend Champions League Title

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) retained the Champions League trophy with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in Saturday's final in Budapest. The match finished 1-1 after regulation time and extra time.

The final had been billed as a clash between Arsenal's formidable defense and PSG's prolific attack. The Londoners' rearguard largely justified that reputation, having conceded only six goals on their way to a first final since 2006.

Arsenal pressed their defensive advantage early when Kai Havertz gave them the lead in the sixth minute with a clinical finish. The German striker started in the number nine role ahead of Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres.

PSG drew level shortly after the hour mark when a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the penalty area was converted by Ousmane Dembele. Fatigue took hold in the closing stages, with several players suffering from muscle cramps, and the final became the first Champions League final to go to extra time since 2016.

As at San Siro in Milan a decade ago, the title was decided on penalties. Substitute defender Lucas Beraldo scored the winning kick in the fifth round before Brazilian defender Gabriel sent his effort over the bar.

With the victory, PSG became only the second club in the 21st century to retain the Champions League, after Real Madrid won it three times in a row between 2016 and 2018. Arsenal suffered a second final defeat, having previously lost to Barcelona 2-1 in 2006.