PSG retain Champions League title as Arsenal’s Gabriel misses decisive penalty

Paris Saint-Germain retained their Champions League title by defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a goalless extra-time period at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. The result confirms the French club as the first to retain the trophy since Real Madrid’s three-year reign from 2016 to 2018, ending a prolonged period of transition in European football’s premier competition.

Arsenal took an early lead in the sixth minute when Kai Havertz scored, but Ousmane Dembele equalised from the penalty spot in the 65th minute. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, forcing a shootout where Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes missed the decisive penalty, firing the ball over the crossbar. PSG captain Marquinhos consoled Gabriel after the miss, a moment that defined the night’s emotional weight.

For Arsenal, this marks their first Champions League final since 2006 and extends their wait for a first European crown, despite ending a 22-year Premier League title drought earlier in the season. The defeat mirrors their only previous Champions League final appearance 20 years ago, where they also took an early lead but were ultimately pegged back. Manchester United (1999, 2008) and Manchester City (2023) are the only clubs to achieve a Premier League and Champions League double since 1992.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed that Gabriel, despite not being one of the usual penalty takers alongside Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz, had prepared for this scenario. Gabriel started 48 of Arsenal’s 63 matches across all competitions this season, contributing nine goals and assists. He also made 13 clearances, the most by any player on the pitch, during the final.

Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson compared the miss to John Terry’s 2008 Champions League final slip, describing it as a "cruel blow". However, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice publicly supported Gabriel, noting his importance to the team’s Premier League title win and stating that "it happens in football". Rice emphasised that without Gabriel and teammate Eberechi Eze, the Gunners would not have won the league, urging fans to rally around the defender.