PSG achieved the feat of winning a second Champions League in a row after a breathtaking penalty shootout, concluding the already tense final against Arsenal (1-1, 4-3 tab) on Saturday in Budapest, and is rising more than ever to the heights of European football. A few steps, the weight of the world on their shoulders and a shot sent over Matveï Safonov’s goal: Paris had this time to rely on the failure of London defender Gabriel and a hint of luck to triumph.
But hearing the roar of the Ultras who welcomed the ball in the stands of the Puskas Arena, but also undoubtedly seeing the beers that flew in all the bars in Paris and in a packed Parc des Princes, the happiness was all the greater.
Greatness is what characterizes this unsinkable PSG, winner of four trophies in as many penalty shootouts this season, after the European Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup and the Champions Trophy. Coach Luis Enrique can be exultant: his bet to mobilize his players last summer with a view to a second coronation has paid off.
PSG has sometimes struggled, made mistakes, suffered from a series of injuries, but has never completely let go of its season and finds itself on Saturday crowned with incredible prestige, reminiscent of the epics of Real Madrid (2016, 2017, 2018) or, if we go back further, of the great Bayern Munich (1974, 1975, 1976).
Electric pressure
It was written that against the fresh champions of England, this final would be much more indecisive than the 2025 demonstration against Inter Milan (5-0). And it was tough nervously and physically for both teams, who had to rotate their squad like rarely to get to the end of these exhausting 120 minutes.
PSG had to rely on the substitutes to finish the match and win the penalty shootout, these same players who are especially helpful in Ligue 1, without flinching, but who were obviously keen to have more influence within the armada.
It’s done: the Portuguese Gonçalo Ramos and the Brazilian Lucas Beraldo both converted their shots on goal, in moments charged with electric pressure. The first, inaugurating the session, then haranguing the unleashed Ultras. The second by delivering an unstoppable strike with the disconcerting calmness of his “so British” mustache.
However, the scenario was very gloomy at the start of the match, after the goal of Kai Havertz who took advantage of a blocked clearance from Marquinhos to go on goal and send the ball into the top corner, from an off-center position (6th). The German had already scored in the final in 2021 for Chelsea against City.
For the Gunners, so solid in defense with only six goals conceded so far in their entire European campaign, the path was clear.
Lucky star
And for a half, the Parisians, despite being the best attack in the competition (44 goals so far), lost their teeth over this tight organization and this roughness in the English duel. They attempted more crosses than usual, which is to create quick and controlled passing circuits.
Gabriel who blocks “Kvara” (11th), Désiré Doué caught by the central hinge despite his dribbles (18th) or even Ousmane Dembélé who hits in the clouds were worrying signs.
The second half was more lively, undoubtedly thanks to the instructions of Luis Enrique, in this coaching match against Mikel Arteta. And Ousmane Dembélé also did not tremble in front of the goalkeeper when converting a penalty obtained by the untenable Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The extension was extremely tense, reinforced by the successive exits of PSG executives: Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, Marquinhos and “Kvara”. But Luis Enrique instilled such a strong team spirit that the game barely suffered.
It was the Rouge et Bleu who hoisted the trophy, both incredulous and more sure than ever of their lucky star.
