The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football team retained its Champions League title at Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday night, after overcoming Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw following extra time.
The victory sparked celebrations across France, with scenes overshadowed by outbreaks of violence and disorder in several locations, particularly in Paris.
French authorities said more than 400 people were detained nationwide following incidents that erupted as thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate the club's Champions League success. Of those, 283 arrests were made in the French capital.
Officials did not immediately confirm how many of those detained would remain in custody pending further investigation.
The government had deployed around 22,000 police officers across the country for the final, including 8,000 in Paris, amid concerns that celebrations could turn volatile following disturbances that accompanied PSG's European triumph last year.
As a precaution, several tram services were suspended, a number of Metro stations were closed and bus routes were disrupted in parts of the capital in an effort to limit potential unrest.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said seven police officers were injured during the disturbances and described the violence as "absolutely unacceptable".
Authorities also reported damage to six vehicles and two businesses during the incidents.
The victory at the Puskás Aréna was very different from PSG’s emphatic 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in last year’s final. Instead of dazzling attacking football, Luis Enrique’s side were forced to rely on resilience, patience and composure to overcome an Arsenal team that had made life difficult throughout the contest.
PSG's victory saw the team equal Barcelona’s record of 45 goals in a single Champions League campaign, set during the 1999-2000 season.
Behind PSG’s success lies a cultural transformation that began when Luis Enrique arrived in Paris in 2023. Rather than focusing on star power, the Spaniard sought to create a team built around collective sacrifice, discipline and trust.
For years, PSG were often criticised for assembling groups of superstars without developing a genuine collective spirit. Under Luis Enrique, that perception has changed.
The emphasis on teamwork has helped the club navigate the departures of high-profile players while maintaining its position at the top of European football.
Despite becoming only the second club after Real Madrid to retain the European Cup in the Champions League era, PSG's players are already looking ahead.
"We have to stay humble," said winger Désiré Doué.
"It's not over yet - the second star is here - so we're going to keep working hard and go for the third one."
For Arsenal, defeat brought disappointment but not despair following a season that delivered their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Mikel Arteta's side frustrated PSG for long periods and came within touching distance of securing a historic first European Cup.
After the match, he said the club must continue evolving if they are to compete consistently at the highest level.
Arsenal are celebrating their domestic title with a parade through north London on Sunday (31 May), while PSG return to Paris as European champions once again.
Donald Trump said he is “in no hurry” to reach a deal with Iran, insisting the U.S. is slowly getting what it wants. He warned military action rem...
The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football team retained its Champions League title at Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday night, after overcoming A...
The World Health Organisation’s designation of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is ...
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) travelled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday (30 May), urging communities to seek med...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 31 May, covering the latest developments you need to know....
Donald Trump said he is “in no hurry” to reach a deal with Iran, insisting the U.S. is slowly getting what it wants. He warned military action remains an option if talks fail. Meanwhile, U.S. forces said they fired a missile at a vessel trying to breach Washington’s blockade of Iran.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) travelled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday (30 May), urging communities to seek medical care quickly and follow safe burial practices as authorities work to contain a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 31 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Thousands of residents blocked Austria’s Brenner motorway on Saturday (30 May), shutting down a major north-south transport route through the Alps in protest against persistent congestion from heavy truck traffic and tourism.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) travelled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday (30 May), urging communities to seek medical care quickly and follow safe burial practices as authorities work to contain a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 31 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment