By Andrew Kariuki

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were crowned UEFA Champions League winners after winning Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time in a thrilling final at the Puskás Aréna.

Arsenal got off to a dream start, taking the lead in the 5th minute through Kai Havertz, who found the back of the net to give the Gunners an early advantage and silence sections of the PSG support.

The French champions, however, fought back in the second half and restored parity in the 64th minute when Ousmane Dembélé calmly converted from the penalty spot to level matters and reignite the contest.

Despite several attacking opportunities from both sides, neither team managed to find a decisive winner during normal time or extra time, forcing the Champions League final into a tense penalty shootout.

PSG held their nerve from the spot, with Gonçalo Ramos, Désiré Doué, Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Beraldo successfully converting their penalties, while Nuno Mendes missed.

Arsenal responded through Viktor Gyökeres, Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli, but missed penalties from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhães proved costly as the London side narrowly fell short.

The French giants ultimately secured a 4-3 shootout victory, surviving a fiercely contested final to claim Europe’s biggest club prize after overcoming Arsenal by the slimmest of margins.

For Arsenal, the defeat will come as a bitter disappointment after an impressive campaign, while PSG celebrated a hard-fought triumph on one of football’s greatest stages.