The evening began with a jolt as Arsenal struck just five minutes into the game, sending shockwaves through Parc des Princes supporters. The Parisians needed nearly an hour to respond, but when Ousmane Dembélé stepped up to convert a penalty awarded for a foul on Bradley Barcola, the stage was set for a thrilling climax.

Unforgettable final chapter

Neither team could break the deadlock in regulation or extra time, pushing the decider into a nerve-racking penalty shootout. PSG’s composure under pressure proved decisive, as every kick found the net while Arsenal’s final takers faltered. The French champions etched their names into Champions League history by becoming the first side since Real Madrid’s 2016-2018 dynasty to retain the trophy.

World Cup preparations underway

Seven French internationals involved in this 71st Champions League final—Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), and William Saliba (Arsenal)—will now shift focus to France’s World Cup preparations at Clairefontaine. The *Bleus* face Côte d’Ivoire in a high-stakes friendly on June 4 at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.