Paris Saint-Germain v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League Final 2026
Gabriel missed the decisive penalty as PSG beat Arsenal to defend their Champions League crown (Picture: Getty)
A ‘proud’ Gabriel Magalhaes has thanked Arsenal fans for their support following his devastating penalty miss in the side’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal had looked on course to clinch a historic double – after their Premier League success – after Kai Havertz struck in only the sixth minute against the reigning European champions.
But Luis Enrique’s men rallied and found an all-important equaliser with 25 minutes remaining of normal time as Ousmane Dembele converted from the spot following Cristhian Mosquera’s foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The two teams could not be separated as referee Daniel Siebert blew his whistle to bring extra-time to a halt, setting the stage for a nerve-shredding shootout at Budapest’s Puskas Arena.
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And while Nuno Mendes was denied by a flying David Raya, Eberechi Eze struck wide from 12 yards before Gabriel fired over with a wild effort to ensure PSG got their hands on the trophy for a second time in as many seasons.
‘It’s painful, but I’m proud of this team and everything we achieved together this season,’ the Arsenal defender wrote in a post on Instagram.
‘Thank you to our incredible fans for your support every step of the way. You deserve to celebrate this journey with us and enjoy the parade today!
‘See you next season!!!
‘Love, Big Gabi [love heart emoji]’
More to follow.
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