Though Paris Saint-Germain eventually needed spot-kicks to overcome Arsenal after the sides dew 1-1, the Parisians certainly deserved to retain their title based on their dominance throughout most of this final.

It would be harsh to over-criticise Mikel Arteta’s approach, especially after his side had taken an early lead but they did have to endure wide-ranging doubts about their passive tactics.

 

The contest had been billed as the best attack (PSG) versus the best defence (Arsenal, being unbeaten in the entire competition)

And it pretty much turned out that way.

That trend might have been true anyway but it was enhanced by Havertz’ early strike past a static Safonov within just six minutes.

The German striker had a record of scoring important goals and it seemed his opportunism might decide this match as the game wore on.

As PSG built their passing game, with Vitinha at the base of the attacks, the pattern became set.

However, Luis Enrique’s men failed to develop many clearcut chances, their efforts mostly going high and wide.

Indeed Havertz might have added a second late in the half but he delayed a little too long.

The stats told the story of the apparent dominance of PSG, but the crucial number was that it was 1-0 to Arsenal.

 

Into the second 45, and most neutrals would want an equaliser to dramatise the final.

And it did come, on 65 minutes, when the recognised star of the UCL, Georgia’s Kvaratskhelia played a one/two before being brought down by Mosquera.

Another headliner, Dembele, easily netted the penalty to level up.

Various changes were made with Arsenal adding Viktor Gyokeres to the forward line, making the last period more competitive.

While Barcola appeared for the French champions, and he would be one who had a chance to decide the outcome, but shot wide when free.

But perhaps the best opportunity, prior to the shootout, came when the excellent Vitinha, on the edge of the area, put the ball over the bar.

For Arsenal, they certainly felt aggrieved when Madueke was apparently brought down by Mendes.

But it looked like a ‘coming together’ and the appeals were denied.

 

With limited chances in the extra half-hour and a generally slowing down of the play we entered the penalty showdown.

Inevitably someone is the ‘fall guy’ in this situation, it has to end in failure of some sort.

Sadly for Arsenal it was the otherwise excellent centre back Gabriel.

Although both Mendes for PSG and Eze for Arsenal also missed it was left to the Brazilian ,as the fifth taker, to score and equalise the shootout.

However, his overstruck effort sailed high over the bar and into the PSG fans.

Clearly Gabriel must have offered to take one of the five spot kicks, laudable of course, but in the cold light of day alternatives such as Madueke or Zubimendi or maybe even Raya might have been better choices?

Centre backs are generally not renowned penalty takers, since disastrous efforts by the likes of Gareth Southgate and John Terry come to mind (David O’Leary at Italia 90 could be the exception that proves the rule) 

 

Anyway it meant Arsenal continued their long wait for a UEFA Champions League title and PSG (and many back in the French capital) could celebrate retaining their crown.

Report and analysis from John Bethell in Budapest.