PSG successfully defended their Champions League title.

PSG successfully defended their title in a thrilling penalty shootout, where center-back Gabriel missed the decisive penalty for Arsenal after the two teams drew 1-1 in 120 minutes.

PSG successfully defended their Champions League title after a thrilling victory over Arsenal on penalties on the night of May 30th, in a match where Gabriel Magalhaes – Arsenal's best central defender for over 120 minutes – missed the decisive penalty.

The moment Gabriel stepped up to take the final penalty carried all of Arsenal's hopes. The Brazilian center-back had previously had a near-perfect game, with a series of interceptions, tackles, and commanding the defense that kept PSG frustrated for much of the match. But his shot that went over the stands shattered Arsenal's dream of their first Champions League title once again.

Havertz opened the scoring with a powerful shot from a tight angle. Photo: Lars Baron.

Conversely, PSG completed their title defense, becoming the ninth team in European history to retain the Champions League title after winning it the previous season. The Parisian club is no longer haunted by the past. They have moved to a different status, as true European champions.

For many years, PSG was a symbol of massive investment but always faltered at the crucial moment. They possessed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and then witnessed their dreams shatter one after another. The defeat against Bayern Munich in the 2020 final was considered the pinnacle of their disappointment.

But since Luis Enrique's arrival, PSG has gradually abandoned the image of a team that relies heavily on superstars. They have built a team that is high-energy, presses aggressively, controls the ball, and plays football with a clear structure. Last season's championship was seen as a release, and this year's victory is a confirmation of that.

What made this victory even more special was how PSG overcame adversity. They conceded an early goal, were drawn into the game Arsenal wanted, and were repeatedly on the verge of collapse. But unlike PSG of the past, the French team did not panic.

In the 6th minute, Kai Havertz once again demonstrated his knack for scoring in Champions League finals. Following a PSG defense error in their offside trap, the German striker received the ball inside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, opening the scoring for Arsenal.

That goal led many to believe history would be on the side of the English team. Before this match, the last 11 Champions League finals had all seen the team that scored the opening goal go on to win the title. The last time a team took the lead and then lost was Atletico in the 2014 final against Real Madrid.

Havertz even made history by becoming the third player to score in a Champions League final for two different clubs, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic. Prior to that, he scored the only goal that helped Chelsea beat Man City in the 2021 final.

Dembele equalized for PSG from the penalty spot. Photo: Denes Erdos.

But that goal didn't make PSG lose their identity. The French team continued to dominate possession, patiently stretching Arsenal's dense defense. At one point in the first half, PSG held possession for nearly 80%, constantly pressing their opponents around the penalty area.

The only problem was Arsenal's excellent defense. Gabriel played the best game of his career with a series of decisive interceptions. Saliba was almost unbeaten in one-on-one situations. Arsenal played defensively, locking down the midfield and waiting for opportunities to counter-attack. Luis Enrique himself had stated before the match that Arsenal were most dangerous when they didn't have possession, and that was clearly demonstrated throughout the first half.

PSG continued to create chances. In the 44th minute, Fabian Ruiz headed over the bar after a dangerous cross from Nuno Mendes. Meanwhile, Arsenal nearly doubled their lead at the end of the half when Marquinhos had to make a diving save right at the feet of Havertz.

As Arsenal began to drop deeper to defend their lead, PSG increased the pressure. In the 62nd minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia executed a one-touch pass and broke free behind Cristhian Mosquera. The Arsenal defender committed a foul in the penalty area, and referee Daniel Siebert immediately pointed to the penalty spot. From the penalty spot, Ousmane Dembele calmly beat David Raya to bring the game back to a tie.

That was a deserved moment for PSG after more than an hour of complete control of the game. The following minutes saw PSG very close to winning the championship. In the 76th minute, Kvaratskhelia made a powerful run and unleashed a shot that deflected off the Arsenal post. Ten minutes later, Bradley Barcola broke through and was one-on-one, but David Raya rushed out to make the save.

Vitinha also nearly sealed the match in the 89th minute with a curling shot from outside the penalty area that narrowly missed the top of the crossbar.

The joy of the PSG players after successfully defending their title. Photo: Angelika Warmuth.

Arsenal fought back with everything they had left. Arteta constantly brought on new players to maintain their fitness. They dragged the game into extra time, where both teams were almost solely relying on willpower. But even without scoring more goals, PSG still gave the impression of being closer to victory. They maintained pressure, controlled possession better, and forced Arsenal to constantly retreat deep to defend their goal.

The final penalty shootout became the deciding factor. There, the character of the reigning champions shone through. When Lucas Beraldo successfully converted his penalty, and Gabriel sent the ball into the stands, the PSG players surged towards the corner of the pitch amidst the roar of tens of thousands of fans. Luis Enrique clenched his fists. Dembele collapsed onto the grass. Marquinhos broke down in tears.

A year ago, PSG won their first European title, ending a decades-long pursuit of the coveted trophy. A year later, they accomplished something far more difficult: defending their title.

In the modern Champions League era, where the gap between the giants is narrowing and winning two seasons in a row is almost impossible, PSG has entered a rare group of European football dynasties. The team once ridiculed for its knockout failures no longer needs to prove anything. They are not just champions, but have become a true force in the history of European football.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/psg-bao-ve-thanh-cong-chuc-vo-dich-c1-d814013.html