Arsenal left Budapest devastated after a 1‑1 draw with Paris Saint‑Germain was decided by a penalty shoot‑out on Sunday. Brazilian defender Gabriel and midfielder Eberechi Eze missed crucial spot‑kicks,handing PSG their second straight European crown while the Gunners’ Premier League triumph awaited back in London.

Gabriel's missed penalty hands PSG the trophy

In the decisive moment of the shoot‑out, Gabriel stepped up for Arsenal’s fifth kick and sent his effort over the cross‑bar, effectively handing Paris Saint‑Germain the Champions League title, as reported by the match summary. The Brazilian, who had not taken a penalty all season, looked dejected as he walked away, his gaze fixed on the ground.

Kai Havertz's early strike sparked hope

Arsenal opened the final brightly when Kai Havertz fired a blistering shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma just six minutes in, silencing the Budapest crowd and igniting belief that the Gunners could claim their first European crown .. The early goal set the tone for a diisciplined first half, during which Arsenal limited PSG to speculative attempts.

Arteta's choice of Gabriel for the fifth spot‑kick

Manager Mikel Arteta explained that he handed the final penalty to Gabriel because regular takers Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Havertz had been substituted or were exhausted after extra time. "He wanted to take it. We knew if it went to extra time, different players would have to step forward," Arteta said, according to the post‑match interview.

PSG's 75% possession sealed the comeback

After the halftime break, Paris Saint‑Germain dominated the game, controlling roughly 75 percent of possession and creating several chances , including a decisive penalty converted by Ousmane Dembélé following a contenious foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Bradley Barcola missed two golden opportunities in extra time, but the French side’s control proved decisive.

Why did Arteta substitute Saka and Ødegaard before penalties?

The decision to withdraw Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard before the shoot‑out remains puzzling, as both are seasoned penalty takers. The match report does not provide Arteta’s rationale, leaving fans and analysts to wonder whether fatigue, tactical considerations, or injury concerns drove the move.

According to the source, David Raya saved Nuno Mendes’ spot‑kick, offering a brief glimmer of hope, but Eze’s attempt was denied by Donnarumma, and the subsequent miss by Gabriel proved fatal.. The Gunners will return to London to celebrate a Premier League title, yet the sting of the European loss will linger long after the confetti is swept away.