Paris Saint-Germain have finally made headlines after winning both of their previous penalties in a shootout in the European Champions League title defence against Arsenal. The final took place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, and was a mix of emotions, with celebration and tension playing out in both locations of Paris. The PSG Champions League defence is a rare feat in modern football.
PSG is the second team, after Real Madrid, to keep the trophy since its rebranding in 1993. This puts the French champions in a class all by themselves with European domination that few clubs can claim to have achieved. The final was a close one. Although the match was balanced and intense, with both teams battling for possession, Arsenal forged ahead all day, leading PSG into penalties at the end. PSG’s performances during the shootout were impressive and they kept their European crown by landing important penalties. Luis Enrique’s win also cements his legacy as a manager.
It is his third Champions League triumph for a manager, making him a part of a successful European campaign that now includes the PSG Champions League title defence. His tactical philosophy and squad planning has been much appreciated for PSG’s ability to maintain consistency at the highest level. It was a huge night in Paris, with fans going wild for the occasion and celebrating another great moment for the club. But there were also reports of some trouble in parts of the city, reflecting the severity of the emotions after the whistle blew. PSG’s win overall signifies their stature as an up-and-coming European football powerhouse.
