BUDAPEST — Arsenal took an early lead against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday after Kai Havertz scored in the opening minutes of the match at Puskás Aréna, according to live match reports and broadcasters covering the game.
Havertz put Arsenal ahead in the sixth minute, finishing from a tight angle after a quick attacking move, giving the Premier League champions a 1-0 advantage in the early stages of the final. The Germany international was selected to start by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ahead of striker Viktor Gyökeres, a decision that drew attention before kickoff.
The final in Budapest brought together two clubs seeking major milestones in European football. Arsenal entered the match aiming to win the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history, while Paris Saint-Germain sought to defend the title it won the previous season under coach Luis Enrique.
Before the match, Arsenal confirmed that defender Jurrien Timber would begin on the bench after returning from a groin injury. Cristhian Mosquera started at right back, while 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly was included in midfield. Havertz was named as the central striker in Arteta’s starting lineup. PSG fielded a largely unchanged side, with Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé both declared fit to start.
Live coverage from multiple outlets reported that PSG controlled much of the possession after conceding but initially struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Arsenal maintained a compact defensive shape and attempted to threaten on counterattacks as the French side pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
Havertz’s goal added to his record in major European matches. The forward previously scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final and was again entrusted with a starting role in a title match on Saturday.
Speaking before the final, Arteta said Arsenal had earned the opportunity to compete for Europe’s top club trophy after a strong domestic and continental campaign, according to club and media reports. PSG coach Luis Enrique also described the match as an important test for his team as it pursued consecutive Champions League titles. Details of any halftime comments were not immediately available.
As of the latest reports during the first half, Arsenal remained in front after Havertz’s early strike, while PSG continued to press for a response. The match was still in progress, and the final outcome had not been determined.
