Champions League: Arsenal collapses on penalties, Paris Saint-Germain remains at the top of Europe

Una night memorabile alla Puskás Aréna di Budapest, dove il Paris Saint-Germain confirms itself on the top of Europe by winning its second consecutive Champions League, once again shattering Arsenal’s dream on penalties.

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The triumph in Budapest: PSG champions on penalties

Paris Saint-Germain wins its second consecutive Champions League: against Arsenal the Parisians win on penalties, with Gabriel’s mistake being decisive and condemning the Gunners to their second defeat after the one in 2006.

No surprises at PSG, with Luis Enrique confirming Dembelé as a false new player and Kvaratskhelia on the left-handed side. There are two changes compared to the day before at Arsenal, Arteta has left Calafiori and Gyokeres on the bench, fielding Hincapie and Havertz respectively, free to move in the opposing midfield.

The first half: Havertz unlocks and Parisian reaction

The Londoners started by immediately raising the pressure, PSG dribbled at a slow pace in their own half: in the 6th minute of the game the Gunners took the lead on a clearance by Marquinhos which was careened by Trossard, Havertz – launched into the open field – surprised Safonov with a violent finish under the crossbar. The Parisians’ reaction came in the 13th minute when Fabian Ruiz, from a tight angle, tried to surprise Raya with a diagonal shot that ended wide at the back.

The reigning European champions dribbled on the perimeter without finding an opening, the English waited and tried to take advantage of their opponents’ mistakes. The clearest chance of the first half happened to Fabian Ruiz: after a run by Nuno Mendes there was a rebound from Hincapie, which favored the former Napoli player, but the instinctive header ended high. Immediately afterwards Dembelé tried from 25 meters, the result was practically identical.

The second half: Kvaratskhelia turns on the lights, Dembelé makes it 1-1

In the second half the script didn’t change, Hakimi tried to surprise Raya with a free kick, the Spanish goalkeeper blocked without problems. In the 17th minute Mosquera was overtaken by Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian was brought down in the area, for Siebert there were no doubts: Dembelé showed up from the spot and wrong-footed Raya, equalizing the score.

Luis Enrique’s team gained more confidence after the 1-1 draw, in the 32nd minute Kvaratskhelia hit the post again taking advantage of a counterattack, Lewis-Skelly’s deflection was decisive. One minute from time Vitinha scared Arsenal with a curling shot, the ball went out by a matter of centimetres. A few moments later Barcola, following an error by Rice, attempted to make it 2-1, but the Parisian attacker missed the target.

Extra time blocked and the penalty lottery

In the first half of extra time, Arsenal attempted to create more danger in the attacking phase without however managing to find the solution to hurt the Parisians: in the 12th minute the Gunners protested due to a tackle by Nuno Mendes against Madueke which, however, referee Siebert did not consider to be worthy of a penalty. In the second half very few opportunities for both teams, Timber kicked but hit the outside of the net, Gyokeres unleashed a shot from the edge which was deflected for a corner.

The match was decided by the lottery of penalties: it had been eleven years since a Champions League final had been decided in extra time or from the penalty spot. Arsenal made mistakes with Eze and Gabriel, the mistake by the Brazilian who kicked high was decisive.

PSG in the Olympus of football: the updated Roll of Honor

With tonight’s success in Budapest against Arsenal, Paris Saint Germain has entered its name in the roll of honor for the second time, giving France its third Champions League also considering Marseille’s victory in 1993. The record holder remains Real Madrid with 15 successes, among the nations Spain dominates (20) ahead of England (15), Italy (12) and Germany (8).

European Super Cup, on August 12th it will be PSG-Aston Villa

It will therefore be Paris Saint Germain and Aston Villa, winners of the Champions League and Europa League respectively, who will compete for the next European Super Cup. Appointment for August 12th in Salzburg, Austria.