Premier League champions Arsenal suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Saturday. Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes missed penalties in the shootout after the game was tied at 1-1 after extra-time.
Mikel Arteta‘s men raced to a flying start at the Puskas Arena in Budapest as Kai Havertz gave them the lead as early as the fifth minute. Marquinhos’ attempted clearance was blocked by the onrushing Leandro Trossard and the deflection allowed Havertz with acres of space to run into.
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The German forward darted into the penalty area and unleashed a thunderous strike that hit the roof of the net, leaving PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov with no chance of stopping it.
PSG looked to conjure an instant response but Gabriel denied them an opportunity with a well-timed tackle at the other end. The idea from the Gunners was expected, they sat back and tried to absorb all the pressure as the reigning champions chased the game.
Safonov was called into action shortly thereafter as he came off his line to palm away a dangerous cross from Bukayo Saka. The Russian shot-stopper received attention after the interception as he suffered a knock to the back of his head. Safonov continued after concussion tests.
Ousmane Dembele then tried to exploit Arsenal on the break, but Gabriel was equal to the task yet again. The Brazilian blocked the attempt. Havertz also saw his shot being deflected into the hands of Safonov in first half stoppage time as the north Londoners maintained their lead at the interval in the Champions League final.
Arsenal concede costly penalty to help PSG get back into Champions League final
PSG continued their efforts to get back in the game in the second forty-five and were rewarded in the 62nd minute. Cristhian Mosquera, who was preferred ahead of Jurrien Timber at right-back, lunged in on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.
Dembele made no mistake as he converted the spot-kick to send the PSG fans into a delirium of noise. Both teams chased the win but could not add to their tally even after extra-time.
Goncalo Ramos put PSG ahead in the shootout before Viktor Gyokeres also converted his kick. Desire Doue was up next and he went to his right side like Ramos to beat David Raya. Eze then stepped up and fired his attempt wide of the target.
Arsenal clawed their way back into the shootout when Raya saved Nuno Mendes’ kick before Declan Rice converted his penalty. Achraf Hakimi and Gabriel Martinelli made it 3-3 before Lucas Beraldo scored and Gabriel fired his shot over the cross-bar. It ended 5-3 on penalties as Arsenal’s wait to win the Champions League continued!
PSG became the first team since Real Madrid in 2018 to retain the Champions League trophy.
Edited by Nived Zenith