Arsenal’s wait for a first Champions League title goes on after Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout in the 2026 final.
Kai Havertz gave the Gunners a perfect start at the Puskas Arena on 30 May, firing home in the 6th minute after Leandro Trossard blocked a PSG clearance.
Arsenal defended with discipline for the next hour, frustrating Luis Enrique’s side who dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances.
PSG levelled in the 65th minute when Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box.
Ousmane Dembele converted the penalty to make it 1-1, but neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the final to penalties for the first time since 2016.
PSG held their nerve from 12 yards, winning 4-3 as Gabriel missed Arsenal’s decisive fifth spot-kick, sending it over the bar.
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The result means PSG become the first French club to successfully defend the European crown.
Havertz’s early strike made him the first player to score in Champions League finals for two different English clubs, having also netted for Chelsea in 2021.
But Arsenal’s defensive resolve was not enough to stop PSG retaining the trophy they won against Inter Milan last year.
For Arsenal, it is another near-miss on Europe’s biggest stage, 20 years after their 2006 final defeat to Barcelona.
For PSG, it is back-to-back European glory and only the second team in the modern era to retain the trophy after Real Madrid’s three-peat from 2016-18.
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