Dembélé and Neves star as PSG beat Arsenal on penalties
Paris Saint-Germain secured back-to-back Champions League titles with a penalty shootout victory over Arsenal. Ousmane Dembélé scored the equalizer in regulation before converting his penalty in the shootout. Joao Neves led midfield battles with relentless pressing and aerial duels.
Dembélé’s 87th-minute strike forced extra time after Arsenal had taken the lead through Bukayo Saka’s 76th-minute header. The French winger’s composure under pressure set the tone for PSG’s comeback. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya saved Neymar’s penalty but missed his own attempt.
Neves completed 92% of his passes and won 15 duels as PSG dominated midfield possession. His energy disrupted Arsenal’s build-up, particularly in the first half. PSG coach Luis Enrique praised Neves’ performance post-match.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard struggled to impose their usual influence. Rice received a yellow card late in the game for a foul on Vitinha. Ødegaard’s crosses were repeatedly cut out by PSG’s defensive block.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made two saves in the shootout, including a crucial stop against Leandro Trossard. Donnarumma’s reflexes preserved PSG’s lead in the shootout. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard both missed their penalties.
PSG becomes the first club to retain the Champions League since Real Madrid in 2017-18. The victory marks their third Champions League title overall. Neves becomes the first Portuguese player to win consecutive Champions League titles.