Paris Saint-Germain became the first team to win back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles since Real Madrid in 2017 after defeating Arsenal on penalties yesterday evening, Soccernet.ng reports.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead in the sixth minute, courtesy of a very pretty finish from Kai Havertz, who capitalised on Marquinhos’ ricocheted clearance.
The Gunners immediately sat deep to protect their lead, forcing Paris Saint-Germain out wide and preventing them from mustering any goal attempts.
However, Arsenal got weary and were punished in the 62nd minute after Cristhian Mosquera fouled Kvicha Kvaratskhelia in his own box. Referee Daniel Siebert immediately pointed to the penalty spot.
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Ousmane Dembele stepped up to take the resulting spot kick, sending David Raya the wrong way.
Mikel Arteta responded with several changes, bringing on Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Viktor Gyokeres, but none of them gave the Spaniard the result he required in the remaining minutes of the game up until the end of extra time.
In the penalty shootout, Eberechi Eze was the first to miss before Raya denied PSG’s Nuno Mendes from 12 yards.
The final penalty fell to Gabriel Magalhaes, but the Brazilian skied his effort, and Luis Enrique’s side were crowned Champions of Europe again.
Arsenal fans react to the UCL final loss against PSG
“If you watched the game, the referee was for them [PSG]. Let’s be realistic, the foul on Madueke was a clear penalty,” Godfrey Peter said.
“I’m not blaming Arteta because the football we played was very good, but we did very well to get to the penalties; mistakes happen,” he concluded.
“It has been a fantastic tournament, we’ve played 66 games this season, and conceded just one penalty, which shows the team are very disciplined,” Tobi said.
“Any Arsenal fan who blames Arteta has to be filtered out of the fanbase,” he added.
“Everything PSG got was handed over to them. It was about what ifs. In the shootout, Safanov didn’t make a save, so it was those little moments,” Adekola Joseph said.
“We fought hard, but it just didn’t happen. There’s a World where Eze shoots and is on target, same as Gabriel, but it didn’t happen,” he added.
“We came so close, so I’m not complaining. I’m proud of all the players, and the coach, they gave their all,” Amara said.
“One thing about Arteta is that he gets better with each season, so I’m sure we’ll dominate next season, and it’ll be fantastic,” she concluded.
After winning the UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain will play against Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup.
