Dare Babalola
Paris Saint-Germain have won the 2026 UEFA Champions League after a nerve-shredding final against Arsenal that ended 1-1 after extra time before being decided on penalties at the Puskás Arena in Budapest.
The contest burst into life early, with Arsenal taking the lead in the 5th minute when Kai Havertz finished clinically to silence the PSG end and give the Gunners a dream start in the final.
Despite Arsenal’s early advantage, PSG gradually grew into the game, dominating possession and pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
Their breakthrough came in the 65th minute, when Ousmane Dembélé confidently converted a penalty after a foul inside the box restored parity at 1-1, sending the PSG supporters into celebration and swinging momentum back toward the defending champions.
After 90 minutes and a tense period of extra time, neither side could find a winning goal, with both defenses holding firm under immense pressure.
The final remained locked at 1-1, forcing the match into a decisive penalty shootout.
The shootout began with both teams converting their early efforts under extreme pressure.
However, tension rose when Arsenal missed one of their penalties, handing PSG a crucial advantage. PSG also faltered once from the spot, briefly keeping the contest alive and allowing Arsenal a lifeline.
In the end, it was PSG’s final kick of the night that sealed glory. Their last penalty was calmly dispatched, confirming a dramatic shootout victory and securing their place as 2026 Champions League winners after a marathon final filled with momentum swings, missed chances, and high drama.
Paris Saint-Germain entered the 2026 UEFA Champions League final as the defending champions, carrying the weight of expectation that comes with being Europe’s reigning kings.
