PSG have won the Champions League again

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Paris St-Germain 1-1 Arsenal (PSG won 4-3 on penalties)

PSG have won the Champions League for the second year in a row.

Author | DJ

Stadium | Puskás Aréna

It was heartbreak for Arsenal as they miss two penalties in the shootout - Eberechi Eze fired wide and Gabriel shot over.

David Raya had managed to save from Nuno Mendes, but it was not enough for Arteta’s side.

By lifting the trophy once again, PSG have become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League since Real Madrid's remarkable run of three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018, and only the second club to achieve the feat in the Champions League era, which began in 1993.

Across the competition's 71-year history, PSG are just the 10th club to win back-to-back European titles.

Notably, all 10 outfield players who started PSG's victory over Arsenal also began last season's final triumph against Inter Milan, underlining the continuity at the heart of their success. The only change since last season’s success was the goalkeeper.

Amomgst everything else, they have won eight of the 10 trophies available to them since the start of last season, only missing out on last summer's Club World Cup and this campaign's French Cup.

A closer analysis of what happened

Two amazing TIFOs greeted the sides when they arrived on the pitch. This helped to create an incredible atmosphere, only adding to the occasion. 

Mikel Arteta had faced several significant selection decisions and chose to keep faith with 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield. He also retained Cristhian Mosquera at right-back, with the defender continuing to deputise for the injured Ben White and the not yet fully fit Jurrien Timber.

The game started with Arsenal on top and Kai Havertz had given them an early lead in the sixth minute before Ousmane Demibele levelled from the penalty spot in the second half.

PSG had chances to win the match in normal time as Arsenal were forced to defend inside their own half. The French champions enjoyed 75% of possession, almost winning it in normal time with Kvaratskhelia hitting the post and Vitinha going close from the edge of the area.

Then it was time for the lottery of penalties

PSG had gained a psychological advantage after winning the coin toss, ensuring penalties were taken in front of their supporters. 

Eze pulled his penalty wide, although David Raya kept Arsenal's hopes alive by saving Nuno Mendes' effort.

With the shootout finely poised at 3-3, Lucas Beraldo calmly sent Raya the wrong way before Gabriel fired over the bar, bringing Arsenal's hopes of adding a first Champions League crown to their Premier League title triumph to a painful end.

Location: Budapest, Hungary

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