Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reflected on his team’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League Final via a penalty shootout and shared why defender Gabriel Magalhaes took Arsenal’s final penalty kick that he missed.
Magalhaes was a surprise pick to play Arsenal’s fifth penalty and ended up directing his attempt over the bar to condemn Arsenal to a 4-3 loss to PSG and miss out on winning the club’s first ever Champions League title. (Scroll down to watch video)
The game ended 1-1 after regulation time and extra time with Kai Havertz and Ousmane Dembele getting on the score sheet.
Speaking in a post-game presser, Arteta said that his team had prepared for the penalty shootout and Magalhaes wanted to take the kick.
“He-Gabriel Magalhaes- wanted to take it number five. We have prepared and trained for this moment. Normally the penalty takers would be Bukayo [Saka], Martin [Odegaard], Kai [Havertz] for sure.”
“We knew if we went to extra-time and penalties the penalty takers would be different players. We are unfortunate not to have the same precision in this moment that they had and that’s why we have not won it” Arteta said.
Bandeira do Fluminense distraiu o Gabriel Magalhães… pic.twitter.com/TAdO6370rp
— Bruno (@BrunoJimmyz) May 30, 2026
I wonder if Gabriel’s usual confidence was shaken after missing that penalty. Tough break for them in such a big match.