Paris Saint-Germain retain Champions League as Arsenal dream dashed in shootout

It was a showpiece that held the football world in its grip, the tension mounting exponentially, everything on the line. For Paris Saint-Germain , there was the opportunity to make it clear that this is a dynastic team; the rarity of retaining a Champions League title. For Arsenal, it was simple. Never mind the Invincibles. They stood to be immortal, a first victory in this competition to follow their first Premier League triumph since 2004. It was all set up to become the greatest season in their history. It was a clash of styles, Arsenal defending with characteristic aggression after Kai Havertz had put them ahead in the early running, blunting PSG’s vaunted attack. Havertz had scored the winning goal in this game for Chelsea against Manchester City in 2021. Was he poised to be the hero again? Kai Havertz puts Arsenal ahead against Paris Saint-Germain. Photograph: Mickael Chavet/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock PSG rallied, Ousmane Dembélé equalising from the penalty spot in the 65th minute and it was the prompt for the gloves to come off, both teams pushing, everybody aware that it would most likely come down to one moment. When the teams could not be separated after extra time, nerves utterly shredded, it came in the penalty shootout. It was the longest of walks for Gabriel Magalhães up to the final kick of the regulation five rounds and Arsenal’s defensive titan appeared to make it quickly. …