The 2026 UEFA Champions League final in Budapest will carry an added layer of tension and unfinished business for both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
The two clubs are set to meet again just one year after PSG ended Arsenal's European dream in the 2024-25 Champions League semi-finals. Luis Enrique's side defeated the Gunners 3-1 on aggregate before going on to win their maiden Champions League title with a historic 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final.
Now, Arsenal return to the biggest stage in European football looking for revenge - and their first-ever Champions League crown.
PSG beat Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate in 2025 semi-final
The last meeting between the two sides came in the second leg of the 2025 Champions League semi-final at Parc des Princes.
PSG entered the match with a 1-0 advantage
from the first leg in London and eventually secured a 2-1 win in Paris to complete a 3-1 aggregate triumph.
Despite the scoreline, Arsenal started the match brilliantly.
Declan Rice nearly scored inside the opening minutes, while Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard were both denied by outstanding saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal's aggressive pressing pinned PSG deep early on, but the French side survived the storm.
Fabian Ruiz and Hakimi punished Arsenal
Against the run of play, PSG took the lead in the 27th minute through Fabian Ruiz.
After Arsenal failed to clear a free-kick properly, Ruiz produced a stunning half-volley from outside the box to put PSG ahead on the night and 2-0 up on aggregate.
The second half brought more drama.
PSG were awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR review for handball against Myles Lewis-Skelly, but David Raya saved Vitinha's penalty to keep Arsenal alive.
However, Arsenal's hopes suffered another blow in the 72nd minute when Achraf Hakimi curled home after PSG capitalised on a turnover near the penalty area.
Bukayo Saka pulled one back late on for Arsenal, but the comeback never arrived.
Donnarumma was the difference
One of the biggest talking points from the tie was the performance of Donnarumma.
The Italian goalkeeper made several crucial saves across both legs and was widely viewed as the player who kept PSG alive during Arsenal's dominant spells.
While Arsenal controlled possession for long periods and created chances through Saka, Rice and Martinelli, PSG's clinical finishing and devastating counter-attacks proved decisive.
The midfield trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz also outlasted Arsenal physically over the two legs.
Arsenal now get chance for revenge in Budapest
A year later, the rivalry has quickly become one of Europe's biggest emerging matchups.
Arsenal booked their place in the 2026 final after defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate, with Saka once again delivering in a huge moment.
PSG, meanwhile, reached a second straight final after edging past Bayern Munich in a dramatic semi-final.
The final at the Puskás Arena on May 30 will therefore not just decide the champions of Europe - it will also serve as Arsenal's opportunity to avenge the heartbreak of Paris.
