By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Paris Saint-Germain once again stood firm on Europe’s biggest stage, edging Arsenal in a dramatic Champions League final decided by penalties.
After a 1–1 draw across normal and extra time, the defending champions held their nerve in the shootout to win 4–3 and secure back-to-back titles, further strengthening their dominance in European football.
Arsenal’s unbeaten European run ended in heartbreak. The decisive moment in the shootout came after Eberechi Eze failed to convert, followed by Gabriel sending his effort over the bar. PSG players immediately broke into celebration, while Arsenal were left stunned, with Gabriel visibly emotional after his miss.
The final had been finely poised throughout. Arsenal struck first through Kai Havertz, who once again delivered on a major stage. PSG, however, refused to fade away and kept pushing until Ousmane Dembélé converted a second-half penalty to level the score and force extra time.
Arsenal began the match with intent and sharpness. Despite the occasion, Mikel Arteta’s side played with confidence and looked dangerous in attack.
A high press involving Leandro Trossard led to a turnover near midfield, and Havertz reacted quickest. Driving forward, he finished powerfully past the goalkeeper to give Arsenal the lead.
After going ahead, Arsenal looked organised and composed. Declan Rice controlled the midfield battle, while William Saliba and Gabriel dealt confidently with PSG’s attacking pressure in the early stages.
However, the momentum gradually shifted. Instead of continuing to press forward, Arsenal began dropping deeper to protect their lead. PSG took advantage, increasing their share of possession and pushing Arsenal further back.
Luis Enrique’s side grew into the game through midfield control, with Vitinha and João Neves dictating the tempo. On the flanks, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé constantly looked to break through Arsenal’s defensive shape.
Arsenal’s resistance remained strong. Saliba dominated key duels, Gabriel won important aerial battles, and Rice broke up several attacking moves. David Raya also remained composed, organising his defence under sustained pressure.
But as PSG’s control increased, Arsenal found it harder to escape their own half. Martin Ødegaard dropped deeper to support defensively, while Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard were increasingly forced into tracking runs rather than creating chances.
PSG eventually found their breakthrough. In the second half, Kvaratskhelia was brought down inside the box after a strong run, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Dembélé stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty past Raya to make it 1–1.
The equaliser shifted the atmosphere inside the stadium, with PSG fans erupting as momentum swung fully in their favour. Arsenal, meanwhile, were forced to rebuild after spending long spells under pressure.
Mikel Arteta responded with changes to try and regain control. Jurrien Timber came on to strengthen the defence, replacing Cristhian Mosquera, while Viktor Gyökeres replaced Ødegaard to add more presence in attack.
Despite the adjustments, neither side could find a breakthrough. The match remained locked through extra time as fatigue set in. Players cramp and exhaustion became increasingly visible, with frequent stoppages breaking the rhythm.
Attacks lost their sharpness, and clear chances disappeared as both teams battled through a draining, end-to-end contest that ultimately had to be settled from the penalty spot.
