Champions League final 2026: What happens if PSG and Arsenal are tied after 90 minutes?
A look at what happens if PSG and Arsenal can’t be separated after 90 minutes, plus every Champions League final decided on penalties.
Paris Saint-Germain are the favorites to win the Champions League final for a second season in a row against Arsenal, but it equally wouldn’t be a huge shock if the Premier League winners were crowned European champions for the first time in their history. A close encounter is anticipated at Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
PSG are known for their explosive firepower in attack under Luis Enrique, but Arsenal’s defensive numbers have been formidable at different points of the season. Mikel Arteta’s team conceded only four goals in eight games in the league phase, two of which came after they had already secured qualification for the round of 16. Additionally, the Gunners go into the final having let in just two goals in their last seven matches.
If Arsenal get the game they want, there is every chance the teams could be tied at the end of 90 minutes.
What happens if the Champions League final is tied after 90 minutes?
Should that happen, the next steps are simple: we’ll have 30 minutes of extra time, split into two periods of 15 minutes. If the teams still can’t be separated, nerves will be shredded and nails will be bitten as we head for a penalty shootout.
How many Champions League finals have ended in a tie?
Of the previous 33 Champions League finals, seven have been decided by a penalty shootout:
- 1995-96: Juventus 1-1 Ajax (4-2 pens)
- 2000-01: Bayern Munich 1-1 Valencia (5-4 pens)
- 2002-03: AC Milan 0-0 Juventus (3-2 pens)
- 2004-05: Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan (3-2 pens)
- 2007-08: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (6-5 pens)
- 2011-12: Chelsea 1-1 Bayern Munich (4-3 pens)
- 2015-16: Real Madrid 1-1 Atlético Madrid (5-3 pens)
The 2013-14 final between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid is the only Champions League final in which a team has scored a winning goal in extra time. Sergio Ramos’ dramatic late equalizer forced an additional 30 minutes before Real Madrid went on to win 4-1.
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