PSG Defeats Arsenal in Penalty Shootout to Secure Second Consecutive UCL Title... Lee Kangin Misses Out Again This Year

French professional football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has won the UEFA Champions League (UCL) for the second consecutive year, but Lee Kangin was unable to play in the final match once again, just as he did last year.

On May 31, 2026 (Korean time), PSG faced Arsenal in the 2025–2026 UCL final at the Puskás Arena in Budapest, Hungary. After drawing 1-1 through extra time, PSG clinched the title by winning the penalty shootout 4-3.

Under the leadership of coach Luis Enrique, PSG claimed its first-ever UCL title last season. By securing back-to-back UCL victories, the club reaffirmed its status as the current strongest team. PSG also won its fourteenth Ligue 1 title this year, marking five consecutive league championships, and achieved a double crown by conquering the UCL as well.

Luis Enrique, head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is celebrating with players while holding the UEFA Champions League (UCL) winning trophy at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on the 30th (local time). Photo by Xinhua/Yonhap News

Although Lee Kangin remained on the bench in the final for the second year in a row, he personally celebrated his twelfth championship with PSG.

This season, Lee Kangin mainly appeared as a substitute for PSG, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 39 matches. Having completed the Champions League schedule, Lee is set to head directly to Salt Lake City, United States, where the Korean national team's preliminary camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held, to begin preparations for the tournament.

Arsenal, which reached the UCL final for the first time in 2006 and scored the opening goal but ultimately lost 2-1 to FC Barcelona, once again failed to lift the trophy despite taking the lead in its return to the final after 20 years.

Arsenal seized the initiative early by scoring in the 6th minute of the first half, with a bit of luck on their side. PSG's Marquinhos cleared the ball near the halfway line, but it deflected off Arsenal's Leandro Trossard and rolled into PSG's half. Arsenal's Kai Havertz quickly intercepted the ball, surged toward the PSG goal line, and powerfully struck the net with his left foot.

Although PSG conceded the opening goal, they maintained attacking pressure and repeatedly threatened Arsenal. In the 65th minute, PSG equalized with a penalty kick by Ousmane Dembele. PSG striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke into the box and drew a foul from Arsenal center-back Cristhian Mosquera, resulting in the penalty.

Neither team was able to score during extra time, and the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. PSG took the first kick. Arsenal's second kicker, Eberechi Eze, sent his shot wide of the left post, giving PSG the advantage, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya saved PSG’s third kicker Nuno Mendes’s shot, leveling the contest. Ultimately, Arsenal’s fifth kicker, Gabriel Magalhaes, sent his shot over the crossbar, securing PSG's consecutive UCL championship.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.