UEFA Champions: PSG Defeats Arsenal In Penalty Shootout

Paris Saint-Germain secured their second consecutive UEFA Champions League title on May 30, 2026, defeating Arsenal 4–3 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in extra time at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

The match saw Arsenal take an early lead through Kai Havertz in the 6th minute, but PSG equalized via an Ousmane Dembélé penalty in the 65th minute. Despite dominating possession (75%) and registering 21 shots to Arsenal’s 7, PSG could not break through in open play. The decisive moment came when Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães missed the final penalty, sealing PSG’s triumph.

The final was tightly contested, with Arsenal’s defense, marshaled by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, holding firm against PSG’s relentless attacks. PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov made crucial saves, while Arsenal’s David Raya was equally impressive.

The shootout drama unfolded with both teams converting their first four penalties. PSG’s Lucas Beraldo scored the winning spot-kick after Gabriel’s miss, sparking wild celebrations among PSG players and fans.

While PSG celebrated on the pitch, chaos erupted in Paris. Riots broke out just six minutes into the match after Arsenal’s opening goal, with fans hurling chairs and bottles at police near the Parc des Princes stadium and Rue de Rivoli. Approximately 5,000 police officers were deployed, using tear gas and baton charges to control crowds.

By 11 PM, more than 130 arrests had been made, with reports of damaged vehicles, storefronts, and burning Lime bikes. Fireworks were launched at officers, and barricades of bicycles were set ablaze. The unrest spread to major landmarks, including the Louvre and Notre Dame, forcing cafes to shut off televisions and trapping tourists in the crossfire.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the police deployment as “very robust, very solid,” with 22,000 officers stationed across France, including 8,000 in Paris.

Despite the heavy presence, skirmishes continued throughout the night, particularly around the Champs-Élysées, where an estimated 20,000 fans gathered. Some supporters wore T-shirts reading “Fuck Arsenal 2026,” and footage showed police sprinting after groups with riot gear while extinguishing flares. The situation echoed last year’s celebrations, which resulted in two deaths and nearly 200 injuries after PSG’s first Champions League win.

This victory marks PSG’s second straight Champions League title, cementing their status as a European powerhouse. For Arsenal, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, representing their second final defeat (after 2006 vs. Barcelona) and leaving them still in search of their first Champions League trophy despite winning the Premier League earlier in the season.

The match also highlighted the tactical brilliance of PSG coach Luis Enrique and the resilience of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, whose side outperformed expectations but fell short at the final hurdle.