01 June,2026 10:04 AM IST | Budapest | Agencies
PSG players celebrate winning the Champions League after beating Arsenal in the final in Budapest on Saturday. Pics/AFP
Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique described his team's second Champions League triumph as âeven bigger' than their maiden European title a year ago, after they beat Arsenal 4-3 on penalties in the final here on Saturday.
"It is even bigger [than last year's title win] because we knew of the difficulties of playing against Arsenal. We have deserved it over the course of the season even if the final was really close-fought. The match started in the best way for them. After that, they know how to defend. So, It was very tough. [But] we are used to attacking in that way," said Enrique.
Kai Havertz had given the Gunners a lead in the sixth minute, as he smashed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle on the left side of the box.
However, PSG recovered splendidly with Ousmane Dembele converting a 65th-minute penalty following a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with Arsenal then holding on for extra time and then penalties Nuno Mendes was the only PSG player to fail to score during the shootout, while Eberechi Eze dragged Arsenal's second penalty wide before Gabriel Magalhaes blasted over with their last attempt. "The coach said at the start of the season that it's hard to win it, but it is even harder to win it twice. That was the mentality we showed today," said PSG skipper Marquinhos.
Two
No. of teams to win back to back UCL titles in this century; PSG (2025-26) and Real Madrid (2016-17)
10
No. of years since the last penalty shootout in a UCL final; Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 5-3 in 2016
One
Paris Saint-Germain are the only team to beat Arsenal in the UCL this season
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted PSG are the best team in the world after his side lost to them 4-3 on penalties in the UCL final on Saturday.
"I want to congratulate PSG, because they are the best in the world. What they are able to do with the ball, with individual actions, I haven't seen it [before]," said Arteta.
French officials said on Sunday that 780 people were held across the country as the celebration of Paris Saint-Germain's UCL win over Arsenal was marred by violent clashes.
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