PSG - A Dynasty

In Budapest, Hungary, the 2025-2026 Champions League final was tense until the final penalty shootout. When Arsenal's central defender Gabriel missed his last penalty, the PSG players, coach Luis Enrique, and the entire club's management couldn't hide their emotions.

PSG have won this competition for the second consecutive time, marking the biggest transformation, from an ambitious project to a dynasty in European football.

The final unfolded exactly as many had predicted. PSG controlled possession more but struggled against Arsenal's well-organized defense.

Kai Havertz opened the scoring for the English side with a goal in the 5th minute. Many even drew parallels to his performance in the Champions League final between Chelsea and Man City.

PSG and Arsenal produced a Champions League final that was tense until the very last minute. Photo: Reuters

PSG had to patiently search for opportunities to break through the solid wall that Arsenal had erected. Ousmane Dembele seemed to be "invisible" for the entire match, but the French striker appeared at the right moment, successfully converting a penalty in the 64th minute, bringing the Champions League final back to square one.

Both teams battled fiercely for over 120 minutes before going to a penalty shootout. PSG weren't overwhelmingly superior to Arsenal, but they won with the resilience of champions who know how to overcome adversity.

But the most significant aspect for PSG in their second consecutive title is that they have truly become a dynasty. Since the 21st century, apart from Real Madrid, no club has successfully defended the Champions League title. Chelsea under owner Roman Abramovich failed to do so. Manchester City, with massive investment from Abu Dhabi and manager Pep Guardiola, also failed to achieve that feat.

PSG did it!

As PSG reached the final for the second consecutive time, President Nasser Al Khelaifi mentioned the goal of having a "second star" on the shirt, implying their desire to win the championship once again.

For many years, PSG was seen as a "giant money bag" rather than a top European club. That money allowed them to bring in a host of superstars, but they never managed to win the prestigious Champions League trophy. For over a decade, the Qatari owners poured billions of euros into that ambition. Then came Neymar, Mbappe, and finally Messi, all joining the Parisian club.

But only after all those big egos left did PSG truly reach the glory they had long yearned for.

Now, they are a team with a clear "DNA," capable of sustainably competing at the highest levels. The creator of that DNA is none other than coach Luis Enrique. It's not an exaggeration to say that this was the historic signing that brought success to PSG. The Spanish strategist has just won his third Champions League title. He officially joins the ranks of the most successful coaches in the history of the tournament such as Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola, and is only behind Carlo Ancelotti (5 titles).

Upon arriving in Paris, he initiated one of the largest revolutions in football history. Not only did 26 players leave, but it was a complete overhaul of the club's culture and playing style. No one was exempt from the discipline he imposed, not even Mbappe in his first season. In the past, even Lionel Messi was benched by him during disagreements. He wasn't afraid of confrontation, wasn't afraid to be the villain, as long as it was for the common good and improved the team's performance.

In coach Enrique's revolution, Ousmane Dembele is perhaps the most representative figure. He endured years of doubt about his ability to contribute to big clubs. Now, he can be considered the iconic face of PSG. After many years, the Parc des Princes has finally found a worthy successor. He is even still a leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or this season, and can confidently place one foot in the pantheon of world football legends.

Alongside him is Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian striker doesn't have the media buzz of Mbappe or Neymar, but the impact he makes is completely different. Kvaratskhelia's leg was visibly bleeding in the final, yet he persevered and earned a penalty that Dembele converted to equalize.

Both players are top-class, reflecting the team spirit that coach Luis Enrique has built at PSG.

On the other hand, many have every right to feel sorry for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's players played a disciplined game, stood firm under pressure, and dragged PSG into a tense penalty shootout. Coach Enrique himself acknowledged those difficulties after the match and said that "both teams deserved to be champions."

Coach Arteta expressed his regret: "It's hard to accept when you play consistently throughout the tournament, reach the final, and then lose because of a penalty. But I'm proud of my players. It's an honor to lead this team."

During the match, the television cameras focused on legend Thierry Henry in the stands, evoking many special memories from 20 years ago, when he too had reached the Champions League final with Arsenal. 20 years later, his successors have yet to continue that unfinished dream. Arsenal have yet to make history in this competition for the first time.

According to qdnd.vn

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/psg-mot-trieu-dai-a241526.html