By Ben Efe 30.5.2026
Arsenal perhaps blew their chance of writing their name in the history of the Champions League after losing 4-3 on penalty shootout against Paris St Germain in Saturday’s final at the Puskas Arena Budapest, Hungary.
Arsenal had a dream start in the 6th minute when Kai Havertz raced down in a counter attack to shoot into the roof of the PSG net from a tight angle.
Arsenal took on the shin everything PSG had to throw at them, however, in the 65th minute Cristian Mosquera clattered into Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box and Ousmane Dembele made no mistake from the spot to draw the game level.
Extra time failed to produce the goal needed by both sides to win the game.
In the shootout Ebere Eze who came into the fray at extra time fluffed his kick, David Raya saved from Nuno Mendez, but Gabriel shot yards over the bar for Arsenal to hand PSG their second straight win.
“It’s gutting. It’s devastating to lose the Champions ions League final on penalties. But an incredible season. We gave it absolutely everything. It’s a lottery and that’s football,” Declan Rice who captained Arsenal declared.
“Some of the best teams ever have lost on penalties in finals. We win together, we lose together and I’m so proud of this group and these boys. What a season. It’s been incredible. I’m obviously gutted but it’s been an incredible journey this season. We’ll be back.”
Also coach Mikel Arteta revealed his frustration: Yes, it is very tough to accept when you are so consistent in the competition all the way to the final and in the end you lose the trophy on penalty kicks, so it is a difficult one.”
However, PSG defender Achraf Hakimi admitted that it was a tough game to win.
“It’s not easy to do it back to back, but we did.
“I say every time the same, the coach is the big voice of the club. We follow him, we trust in him. Since day one he told us the team is more important than the player.
“We are really happy to have him. We have created not just a team but a family.”
