Paris Saint-Germain made history in Budapest as they defeated Arsenal on penalties to retain the UEFA Champions League crown. Luis Enrique’s side kept their composure in a tense final at the Puskas Arena to seal consecutive European victories.

Only a select group of clubs have been consistently successful A Champions League or European Cup win underlines the scale of PSG’s achievement on the continental stage.

Enrique now joins Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola and Bob Paisley in an elite list of managers with three Champions League titles, trailing only Carlo Ancelotti, who has five.

So when this figure was brought up in the post-match show on TNT Sports, Enrique immediately responded: “Only three? I have to improve!”

This led Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, standing next to him, to ask if he could equal Caro Ancelotti’s record of five Champions League appearances with this team.

“I’d say four,” Enrique responded with a wide smile on his face, causing Gerard and the other panelists to laugh.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi praised the Spaniard’s impact and indicated confidence in keeping him at the club, with contract negotiations ongoing beyond his current deal, which runs until the end of next season.

“He is the best coach, I can’t answer that question but I’m really convinced,” Al-Khelaifi said. “It’s all about the project and he is the best for this project. He is very special, as a coach, as a human being, as a person, he is fantastic. He is the best coach in the world. He has done wonders with the team. With a young team, you know the story. I also want to thank the players of PSG. It is for them too. They all gave this project.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also paid tribute after the final and acknowledged PSG’s dominance despite his team’s disappointment at once again missing out on European glory.

“I especially want to congratulate PSG, Luis (Enrique, the coach), because in my opinion they are the best in the world,” Arteta told reporters in Budapest, as quoted by Yahoo Sports.

Iconic Night in Budapest

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defend their UEFA Champions League title On Saturday night, 30 May, Arsenal were beaten 4–3 on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw at the Puskás Arena. The French champions retained their place on the throne of European football, while Arsenal were only left to celebrate their Premier League title, their dream of finally becoming champions of Europe delayed once again.

Kai Havertz’s sixth-minute opener got the ball rolling in a tightly contested match, before Ousmane Dembele equalized from the penalty spot midway through the second half.

PSG were without Vitinha, Khvitcha Kvaratskheliya, Dembele or captain Marquinhos for the shoot-out, yet Eberechi missed Eze and then Gabriel ensured they became the first team since Real Madrid to win consecutive European titles between 2016 and 2018.

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