Champions League news: PSG prevail over Arsenal to win CL final on penalties
After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra-time, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães missed a clutch penalty in the shootout to lose 4-3 which saw Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League final for the second year running on Saturday, May 30.
A Kai Havertz wonder strike in the sixth minute put the Gunners ahead early, with boss Mikel Arteta favouring a more pragmatic approach to see out the rest of the final thereafter.
However, Arsenal’s lack of offensive intent or pressure eventually allowed PSG to level the game through a 65th-minute Ousmane Dembele penalty after Cristhian Mosquera fouled winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box.
Devastated Gunners
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game regarding Eberechi Eze and Gabriel missing penalties in the shootout, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said:
“Devastated. Missing a penalty in a Champions League final isn't nice, but we love them.
"It happens in football. They aren't going to be the last players to miss a penalty in finals.
“Everyone has missed a penalty. Without those two this season, we wouldn't have won the Premier League. It's cruel, but we take the positives," Rice added.
Enrique: ‘Best moment of the season’
"It's stronger than last year because we knew before the match just how difficult it would be to play against Arsenal,” PSG boss Luis Enrique said after his side’s gritty trophy win.
"As a club and a city, it's incredible to win, and I think we deserved it over the course of the season. The final was a real battle.
"This is the best moment of the season. We are still champions, two in a row, it's amazing."
Noteworthy achievement
PSG are the first team to retain the Champions League crown since Real Madrid’s European dominance from 2015-2018.
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