Top News

Arsenal endured heartbreak in a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, as Gabriel Magalhaes sent his decisive spot-kick over the bar, gifting the reigning champions their second straight European title in Budapest. Kai Havertz had given the Gunners an early advantage, but Ousmane Dembele’s second-half equaliser brought PSG level before a resolute Arsenal defence forced the game into extra time.

The north London side made a dream start, opening the scoring just six minutes in. Marquinhos’ clearance ricocheted off Leandro Trossard near the halfway line, allowing Havertz to race through on goal and hammer an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

That early breakthrough allowed Arsenal to settle into their preferred defensive rhythm. Gabriel, in particular, was immense, producing several key interventions, including a perfectly timed tackle on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the box just as the winger looked set to shoot.

Despite sitting deep, Arsenal still carried a threat going forward. PSG’s goalkeeper Matvey Safonov was alert to cut out Bukayo Saka’s dangerous cross, while Marquinhos’ crucial block denied Havertz in first-half stoppage time following a slick passing move.

However, Arsenal’s discipline faltered just after the hour mark. Cristhian Mosquera mistimed a challenge on Kvaratskhelia after a quick one-two, conceding a penalty. Dembele stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, swinging the momentum in PSG’s favour.

The Gunners rode their luck late on to drag the final into extra time. Myles Lewis-Skelly deflected Kvaratskhelia’s attempt onto the post, David Raya produced a vital intervention to halt Bradley Barcola’s run, and Vitinha’s fierce strike clipped the top of the net in the dying moments.

Extra time was tight and tense. Arsenal appealed for a penalty when substitute Noni Madueke went down under pressure from Nuno Mendes, but the referee waved play on and VAR backed the decision. Viktor Gyokeres saw his late shot deflect wide, ensuring the match went to penalties.

In the shootout, Eberechi Eze missed his attempt wide before Raya redeemed him with a superb save from Mendes. The shootout moved into sudden death, and after PSG converted their fifth, Gabriel stepped up only to send his effort high into the Budapest night, sealing the French side’s triumph.

Here’s how Arsenal’s players were rated from their performance at the Puskas Arena:

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

Had a nervy moment when rushing out but handled a Ruiz strike well. No chance with Dembele’s penalty, yet made an important stop against Barcola and cut out a key cross in extra time. Pulled off a big save in the shootout.

Cristhian Mosquera (4/10):

Looked vulnerable before kick-off and, despite defending solidly at times, was punished for his rash challenge on Kvaratskhelia in the box. Substituted immediately afterwards.

William Saliba (6/10):

Not as commanding as Gabriel but contributed several crucial defensive actions and distributed the ball efficiently from the back.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

A rock in defence, making countless vital interventions to keep Arsenal competitive. Unfortunately, his night ended in agony as he blasted his penalty over the bar.

Piero Hincapie (7/10):

Showed great awareness and aggression against PSG’s potent attack, including a strong challenge inside the area.

Midfield

Declan Rice (6/10):

Worked hard and tried to disrupt PSG’s rhythm in midfield but couldn’t impose himself as much as he would have liked.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (7/10):

Displayed maturity beyond his years at just 19. Passed with composure, defended smartly, and produced a crucial block to deflect Kvaratskhelia’s shot onto the post late on.

Martin Odegaard (5/10):

Pressed energetically and created a fine chance for Havertz with a clever pass. Focused mainly on leading the press from the front. Substituted after PSG’s equaliser.

Attack

Bukayo Saka (6/10):

Worked tirelessly to support defensively but picked up a booking for a loose challenge. Missed opportunities in promising attacking positions.

Kai Havertz (8/10):

Once again delivered on the big stage, scoring a brilliant early goal. Provided a physical outlet and led the line superbly.

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

Unintentionally assisted Havertz for the opener and made intelligent decisions throughout the game.

Substitutes & Manager

Jurrien Timber (6/10):

Rusty on his return from injury, with a few attacks targeting his flank. Improved as the match went on and defended resolutely.

Viktor Gyokeres (5/10):

Struggled to influence proceedings and picked up a booking for a foul born of frustration. Saw a late effort deflect wide but converted his penalty coolly.

Noni Madueke (7/10):

Looked lively and thought he had earned a penalty after a sharp run, but the referee disagreed.

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

Failed to find a key pass in a promising position and lost possession several times. Took his penalty confidently, though.

Eberechi Eze (5/10):

Used his strength well and was composed on the ball but missed his spot-kick in the shootout.

Martin Zubimendi (5/10):

Appeared fatigued despite being introduced for extra time.

Mikel Arteta (6/10):

A painful defeat for the manager. His tactical plan worked well for much of the match, but scoring so early forced Arsenal to defend for the majority of the game. Without Mosquera’s costly error, the outcome might have been very different.