Liga’s 2026 Campeões decision entered the decisive penalty phase between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, after a 1-1 draw in normal time and extra time in Puskás Aréna. The teams will seek the European title directly from the limelight, promising an exciting outcome to the season. The result follows an intense battle fought over 120 minutes, where both teams showed moments of dominance and resilience.
Confronto directly had goals from Havertz and Dembélé
The scoring was opened just 5 minutes into the first half with Arsenal striker Havertz, who took advantage of an unsuccessful shot by Paris Saint-Germain’s defense to shoot across and open the scoring. Esse early goal affected much of the match, forcing PSG to constantly seek a draw. The French team, with high ball possession, found it difficult to overcome the solid defense set up by the English.
Paris Saint-Germain’s equalizer came just 19 minutes into the second half, in a penalty kick converted by Dembélé. The penalty was awarded after Kvaratskhelia was brought down in the box by Mosquera. Este goal reignited the match and encouraged PSG to further intensify their offensive pressure, seeking to turn the score around. The scenario of equality remained until the end of the regulation 90 minutes, taking the final to extra time.
Prorrogação maintained the score and intensified disputes
The complementary stage of the match, divided into two 15-minute halves, was marked by high-intensity plays and wasted opportunities by both teams. In the first half of extra time, the tension increased with the yellow card for Nuno Mendes, from Paris Saint-Germain, for pulling Madueke, demonstrating nervousness on the field. Arsenal also had its coach, Mikel Arteta, warned with a yellow card for an aggressive complaint, followed by Rice.
The second half of extra time saw Paris Saint-Germain dominate in ball possession, reaching 74%, and record a “thumping” in shots, with 12 attempts compared to just 1 from Arsenal. Kvaratskhelia hit the post with a cross shot in the 31st minute of the second half, one of the closest moments to a turning point for PSG. Barcola, who came on in the second half, had two clear chances to score in the final minutes of extra time, but was unable to finish successfully, keeping the score unchanged and forcing the decision to penalties.
- Zabarnyi took Marquinhos’s place in Paris Saint-Germain.
- Lucas Beraldo replaced Vitinha on the French team.
- Zaire-Emery replaced Fabián Ruiz with Paris Saint-Germain.
- Pelo Arsenal, Zubimendi went to the field in place of Lewis-Skelly.
- Eze replaced Havertz, the scorer of the English goal.
Arsenal won the title at Premier League 2025/26
Arsenal reached this Liga Campeões final with high morale, after having won the Premier League in the 2025/26 season. The feat ended a 22-year fast without beating Campeonato Inglês for the London club. The title was confirmed one round in advance, on May 19, 2026, after vice-leader Manchester City drew 1-1 against Bournemouth, consolidating Arsenal’s victorious campaign.
The Arsenal players’ celebration of the English title was widely publicized, creating an environment of expectation and confidence for the grand European final. The team, under the command of Mikel Arteta, demonstrated tactical solidity and resilience throughout the season, characteristics that were also evident in the clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The English team, however, faced an equally determined opponent in their quest for the continental trophy.
Desempenho of the teams in the European competition
Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal presented different statistics in their campaigns in the Liga of the Campeões 2025/26. PSG recorded an average of 8.5 shots per game and 5.1 corners, with 0.9 yellow cards per game and 2 expulsions throughout the competition. The French team constantly sought to attack, highlighting their offensive power.
In turn, Arsenal averaged 6.1 shots and 4.7 corners per game. The English team accumulated an average of 1.8 yellow cards and no expulsions before the final, indicating a more disciplined style of play, but also focused on defensive efficiency. The two teams demonstrated different strategies to reach the decision, with Paris Saint-Germain focusing more on offensive intensity and Arsenal on a more balanced and compact approach.