Arsenal suffered a heartbreaking loss UEFA Champions League Final defeat in Budapest after a penalty shootout against Paris Saint-Germain.
Gabriel fired the final penalty kick of the night over the crossbar to seal a 4-3 win on penalties for the French champions, who retain the title they won last season.
Kai Havertz put Arsenal ahead early before Ousmane Dembele’s penalty took the final into extra time and then a penalty shootout.
Eberechi Eze also missed the goal from a penalty kick, giving Luis Enrique’s team the win.
Paris Saint-Germain dominated possession, with 76% of possession, but struggled to create chances against Mikel Arteta’s hard-working and disciplined side.
Gabriel and William Saliba were impressive throughout as Arsenal dropped deep and left the French side frustrated after Havertz’s stunning goal.
The former Chelsea player’s loose ball broke wide on the left and ran towards goal.
He had the support of Bukayo Saka but he shot the ball himself from a tight angle and it hit the roof of the net.
Havertz also scored the winning goal for Chelsea in 2021 when they beat Manchester City.
The pattern was set in the second half and PSG once again dominated possession without threat. Enrique remained confused on the bench, but scored the goal when Hvicha Kvaratskhelia entered the penalty area and fell with Christian Mosquera on the wrong side.
Dembele took the penalty kick and Kvaratskhelia hit the post after it changed direction while the French team was searching for the winning goal.
Arsenal were forced to go to extra time, and Noni Madueke thought he should have been awarded a penalty in added time after the clash with Nuno Mendes, but the protests died down.
A tense extra time period led to penalties, and while the excellent David Raya made a fine save from Mendes’ shot, Gabriel had to score Arsenal’s fifth goal and fire over the top.
An Arsenal victory would have ensured a sweep of the Premier League titles after Aston Villa won the Europa League and Crystal Palace won the Conference League.
He could also have secured a famous double for the new Premier League champions, but their wait continues, 20 years after defeat at the hands of Barcelona.
Paris Saint-Germain are the second team to defend their Champions League title after Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018, while Enrique now has three wins to his name.
