Mikel Arteta’s Gabriel decision backfires as Arsenal lose Champions League final v PSG

Last Updated on 30 May 2026

It all came down to a crucial decision for Mikel Arteta on 30th May as Arsenal chased a historic double in Budapest after winning the Premier League.

He had to decide who would take the fifth and decisive penalty in the shoot-out after his side had bravely fought to take the match to penalties against PSG.

Mikel Arteta decided to place his trust in Arsenal’s centerback, Gabriel Magalhaes, and it didn’t quite go to plan in the Champions League final.

Arteta puts faith in Gabriel and it goes horribly wrong

The shootout reached its defining moment when Gabriel Magalhaes stepped up to take Arsenal’s fifth and final penalty. The stakes could not have been higher. Score, and the shootout continues. Miss, and Arsenal’s 140-year wait for a European crown extends further.

Gabriel sent his penalty blazing over the crossbar, handing PSG the title. It was a devastating moment. Arteta had chosen the Brazilian centre-back to carry that weight: a bold call that ultimately unravelled on the grandest stage in club football.

Eberechi Eze had already missed earlier in the shootout, before David Raya saved from Mendes to keep Arsenal alive. So the pressure fell squarely on Gabriel. He could not deliver. Arteta’s decision to trust him with the decisive kick will draw intense scrutiny in the days ahead.

Arsenal produce a defensive, toothless display

Beyond the penalty drama, Arsenal were largely unimpressive throughout the contest. They sat deep, invited pressure, and rarely threatened to win the game outright. It was a cowardly performance that fell well short of the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

Kai Havertz gave the Gunners a dream start, firing past Matvei Safonov after just six minutes. However, Arsenal immediately retreated after that goal. They offered little going forward and allowed PSG to dominate possession and territory.

Ousmane Dembele’s second-half penalty drew PSG level, and the reigning Ballon d’Or winner sent David Raya the wrong way to breathe new life into the French champions. Arsenal had no meaningful response. They soaked up pressure without ever looking like grabbing a winner.

A major penalty shout in extra time went Arsenal’s way, but referee Daniel Siebert dismissed it. That proved a pivotal moment. Instead of capitalising on momentum, Arsenal simply ran down the clock and drifted toward penalties.

PSG now become the first repeat Champions League winners since Real Madrid won three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018. For Arsenal, it is another near miss. Arteta’s side had the quality to win. On the night, though, they lacked the courage to use it.