Arsenal's hopes of clinching the Champions League title were dashed in Budapest as Gabriel's penalty miss proved to be the decisive moment in the final against Paris Saint-Germain. The match, held at the Puskás Aréna on May 30, 2026, ended in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw following extra time.

Arsenal's Journey to the Final

This season, Arsenal showcased an impressive performance in the Champions League, remaining unbeaten throughout their campaign. They played a total of 14 matches, achieving nine clean sheets and conceding only six goals. Arsenal finished first in the league phase with a perfect record of eight wins from eight games, topping a 36-team table.

In the knockout stages, Arsenal continued their strong form, defeating Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16 and Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-finals, both with clean sheets. They advanced to the semi-finals, where they edged past Atlético Madrid with a 2-1 aggregate score, setting the stage for their first final appearance since 2006.

The Final Match

During the final, PSG controlled much of the possession, while Arsenal maintained a compact defensive shape and pressed when opportunities arose. Bukayo Saka had a notable chance in the second half, but PSG goalkeeper Safonov made a crucial save. Despite several attempts from PSG, including a close call from Dembele that hit the post, the match remained scoreless, leading to penalties.

In the penalty shootout, Arsenal initially found success, with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Leandro Trossard all converting their kicks. However, Gabriel's attempt was saved by Safonov, allowing PSG to secure a 5-4 victory in the shootout, marking their consecutive Champions League title win. Arsenal finished as runners-up, adding to their Premier League championship triumph this season.