Gabriel Magalhães said it was “painful” after missing the decisive penalty as Arsenal lost the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain in a shootout.
The Brazilian defender sent his fifth penalty over the crossbar in a 4-3 shootout defeat at the Puskas Arena, handing PSG a second consecutive European title after a 1-1 draw.
Gabriel addressed supporters after the match, reflecting on both the disappointment of the miss and pride in Arsenal’s season. “It’s painful, but I’m proud of this team and everything we achieved together this season,” he wrote on social media. “Thank you to our incredible fans for your support every step of the way… See you next season.”
Arsenal had taken an early lead through Kai Havertz, who scored inside six minutes, but PSG equalised in the second half when Ousmane Dembele converted from the penalty spot. The final remained level through extra time before going to penalties.
The shootout swung on key moments, with David Raya saving Nuno Mendes’ effort and Eberechi Eze missing the target, before Gabriel stepped up for what became the decisive kick and lifted his effort over the bar.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Gabriel had volunteered to take a penalty. “Normally the penalty takers would be Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz,” he said. “We knew if it went to penalties, different players would have to step forward.”
Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson described the miss as “one of those John Terry moments”, referencing past final shootout heartbreaks.
Declan Rice defended his teammate, saying: “We love them and we’re with them. It happens in football.”
Arteta added that the defeat would be used as motivation, saying the squad must “turn it into fuel” as attention turned to Arsenal’s Premier League title parade in north London.
