PSG Defend UCL Crown With Shootout Win Against Arsenal In Budapest

PSG edged out Arsenal 4-3 on penalties to retain the UEFA Champions League title after the sides were inseparable after extra time in the summit clash of the continental championship in Budapest on Saturday.

Ousmane Dembele’s second-half penalty cancelled out Kai Havertz’s opener, before shootout misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel proved costly for the Gunners in the final hurdle.

PSG added a second UCL title to their cabinet with the win, as Arsenal missed out their first-ever continental showpiece title as a result of their stumble in the final hurdle, on the back of a historic year that saw Mikel Arteta end a 22-year wait for the English top-flight title for the Gunners.

Havertz, who netted to help Chelsea clinch the UCL five years ago, helped

the Gunners inch ahead early in the game as he latched onto a quick break to set himself up to rifle one past Sefanov as Arsenal faithful rejoiced.

Arsenal held on to their advantage as the sides headed into the tunnel for the half-time break as Arteta and Co. managed to retain the advantage.

PSG looked more lively on resumption and kept pushing Arsenal defence to answer their advances as Kvaratskhelia kept the Gunners defence on their toes.

An infringement on the rioting Kvara inside the box by Mosquera led to the ref pointing to the spot. And PSG, who hadn’t been able to find a way through Arsenal’s defence in open play capitalised on their chance from the penalty as Ousmane Dembele smashed the ball in past the diving David Raya to restore parity.

Goncalo Ramos, Desire Doue, Achraf Hakimi and Beraldo converted for PSG while Nuno Mendes saw his attempt saved by Raya. Viktor Gyokeres, Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli’s strike from the spot were undone by misses from Eze and Gabriel as PSG held on to their title.