Paris Saint-Germain have clinched back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles after edging out Premier League champions Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout on Saturday in Budapest. Ousmane Dembélé converted from the spot to level the score after Kai Havertz’s early goal for the Gunners. With both sides locked after more than 120 minutes of play, PSG finally emerged victorious when Gabriel missed Arsenal’s fifth and decisive penalty attempt. The French giants have thus become the first club to successfully defend the Champions League crown since Real Madrid’s triple triumph between 2016 and 2018.

Looking back at the encounter, many observers agreed that PSG were worthy winners, as they dictated much of the game’s tempo despite Arsenal’s disciplined defensive effort aimed at neutralising their threats. Speaking to M6 following PSG’s second consecutive European title, midfielder João Neves did not hold back in his assessment of Arsenal’s approach.

“We earned it today, because PSG were the only team trying to play,” said the Portuguese star. Neves, who joined PSG in the summer of 2024 from his boyhood club SL Benfica, added that the move to Paris was the best decision of his career so far. “It’s not even just the victory that makes me happy, but the chance to play with such incredible teammates, the coaching staff, and the management here. I truly love everything about this club.”