Arsenal’s dream to win the club’s first ever Champions League title ended in a heartbreak after the Gunners suffered a 4-3 penalty defeat following a 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germaine in the final at Budapest. Arsenal made a perfect start to the historic evening when Kai Havertz powered home inside six minutes against PSG.
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The German striker made the superb finish after Marquinhos’ attempted clearance deflected to Martin Odegaard from close range. Havertz shot from a tight angle over the head of the kneeling Matvey Safonov, to make it his second goal in a Champions League final after his winner for Chelsea against Manchester City in 2021.
However, Arsenal conceded a penalty despite valiant defensive efforts through most part of the game. Cristhian Mosquera made a sloppy foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, catching the PSG forward on the calf inside the box. Ousmane Dembele fired home a beautiful strike from the spot to level the game.
Both sides had chances to take the lead during the game but fell short. In extra time, Arsenal had a penalty appeal waved away in the first 15 minutes. Noni Madueke fell inside the box after getting in front of Nuno Mendes but it was not given despite protests from the Gunners bench. Instead, Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta got a yellow card each.
Then the game went into penalty shootouts, where Eberechi Eze missed the Gunners’ second. But a superb save David Raya’s brilliant save from Mendes’ shot put them back in contention. However, Gabriel stepped up for Arsenal’s fifth penalty and shot into the sky to wild celebrations from PSG fans.
It was a horrible end of the season for the defender, who has been outstanding for Arsenal throughout the season. Once again, Arsenal fell short in Europe.
Meanwhile, PSG has become only the second club to win the Champions League bck-to-back since Real Madrid’s three-peat from 2016 to 2018.
