Arsenal fans could hardly have imagined a better start to the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest as Kai Havertz fired the Premier League side into an early lead against Paris Saint-Germain. The German striker struck after just 5 minutes and 2 seconds, capitalising on a swift attacking move to put Mikel Arteta's side ahead in one of the biggest matches in the club's history.
The goal immediately raised questions about whether Havertz had set a new record for the fastest strike in a Champions League final. While it was among the quickest goals scored on the grandest stage of European club football, the Arsenal forward ultimately fell well short of the all-time mark.
Maldini's record remains untouched
The record for the fastest goal in a Champions League final continues to belong to Paolo Maldini, who stunned Liverpool after just 51 seconds in the memorable 2005 final in Istanbul.
Havertz's effort came more than four minutes later and therefore did not threaten the legendary Italian defender's long-standing benchmark. Nevertheless, the early breakthrough gave Arsenal momentum and ignited hopes of a historic first European crown.
Havertz joins Ronaldo and Mandzukic
Although he missed out on one record, Havertz secured a place in an elite group of Champions League history-makers.
The Arsenal star became only the third player to score in a Champions League final for two different clubs. He had previously found the net for Chelsea in the 2021 final against Manchester City, scoring the winning goal that delivered the trophy to the London side.
Before Havertz, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic had achieved the feat. Ronaldo scored final goals for both Manchester United and Real Madrid, while Mandzukic did so for Bayern Munich and Juventus.
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PSG respond through Dembele
Arsenal's lead lasted into the second half before PSG found a way back into the contest. The French champions gradually took control of possession and were rewarded in the 65th minute when Ousmane Dembele converted from the penalty spot.
The equaliser shifted momentum and set up a tense finale between two clubs chasing major milestones. Arsenal were aiming to lift the Champions League trophy for the first time, while PSG were seeking to become the first team since Real Madrid to successfully defend the title.