The defining image of Arsenal‘s Champions League final defeat was Gabriel standing with his head in his hands as he was consoled by Paris St-Germain captain and Brazil team-mate Marquinhos.
It was a bitter conclusion to the defender’s first European final. His penalty, sent over the crossbar, proved the decisive moment as the Gunners endured shootout agony, allowing PSG to successfully defend their title.
For a player who has so often been Arsenal‘s pivotal figure this season, it was not the contribution he would have envisioned ahead of the club’s first Champions League final since 2006.
It marked the first penalty Gabriel had taken for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta revealing the defender had “prepared and trained for this moment”.
“He wanted to take it,” Arteta stated. “Normally the penalty takers would be Bukayo [Saka], Martin [Odegaard] and Kai [Havertz]. But we knew if the game went to extra-time and penalties, different players would have to step forward.”
It was a painful conclusion to the campaign for one of Arsenal‘s standout performers of the season.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Arsenal defender Matt Upson likened it to “one of those John Terry moments”, referencing the 2008 Champions League final when the Chelsea captain slipped as he struck his penalty in the shootout, hitting the post as Manchester United went on to secure the title.
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Arteta on Gabriel penalty miss
The night had begun brightly for Arsenal.
When Kai Havertz powerfully struck the ball into the net past Matvey Safonov within the first six minutes, their supporters at the Puskas Arena in Budapest were jubilant.
Despite dominating possession, PSG struggled to create clear opportunities for their formidable front three of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, as Arsenal‘s defence largely kept them contained.
At the heart of that defensive effort was Gabriel. The defender made more clearances than any other player on the pitch (13) as the Gunners pursued the rare feat of a Premier League and Champions League double – achieved only by Manchester United (1999 and 2008) and Manchester City (2023) since 1992.
However, after Dembele equalised from the penalty spot, the match evolved into a cautious affair for both sides, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested as tension grew in Hungary and the game edged towards a shootout.
PSG gained an early advantage when Eberechi Eze missed his penalty, but Gunners keeper David Raya responded by saving Nuno Mendes’ effort.
Following four successful kicks, Gabriel’s penalty soared over the crossbar, eliciting elation from the PSG fans.
“To miss a penalty in a Champions League final, obviously it’s not nice,” Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said on TNT Sports.
“But we love them and we’re with them. It happens in football. They’re not going to be the last players to miss penalties in finals.
“Everyone has missed a penalty and without those two this season we wouldn’t have won the Premier League, that’s for sure.
“Gabriel, I’ve run out of words for him as a person and as a player. Eze has scored some crucial goals for us this season.
“It happens. It’s football and it’s cruel. We take the positives and keep going.”
Arsenal ‘pain’ will fuel fire after Champions League heartbreak
The image of Gabriel wiping away tears as PSG’s players celebrated with the trophy will likely remain a lasting memory for Arsenal supporters.
The Brazilian, one of Mikel Arteta’s first signings upon taking charge in December 2019, has been instrumental in the club’s resurgence to the top of English football and their Premier League title victory this season.
He started 48 of Arsenal‘s 63 matches across all competitions, contributing nine goals and assists – surpassing both Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus.
“I’ve just listened to Declan Rice talking about how he has run out of words to describe Gabriel because he has been so important and so good for Arsenal all season, and over the past few years as well,” former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC Sport.
“So for him to be the one who misses the penalty that costs them the Champions League final is heartbreaking.
“But I think everyone will rally around him because Arsenal would not have won the Premier League without him. He has been invaluable and, quite rightly, is in the conversation for PFA Player of the Year.
“The pressure is always there in a shootout. You can practice penalties in training, but in a Champions League final you can never truly prepare for that moment. Unfortunately, he has experienced what every player dreads – missing the penalty that decides a final.”
While rival fans may dwell on his miss in Budapest, Arsenal supporters will recall the countless occasions he delivered for his side – including a dramatic stoppage time winner against Newcastle United in September.
The Brazilian also made a vital block in the closing minutes of a 1–0 win at West Ham earlier this month, on the Gunners’ way to a first league title in 22 years
Former England defender Upson added: “It’s one of those moments that will be remembered for years, a cruel blow for a player who has been a tower of strength for Arsenal.
“Gabriel gave everything for his team. He showed the mentality and courage to step forward and take responsibility, which is all you can ask of any player.
“It is desperately sad for him, but he strikes me as someone who will recover quickly and use it as motivation. He still has a huge summer ahead with Brazil.”
For one night, Gabriel was the face of Arsenal‘s heartbreak. It should not detract from the fact he was also one of the main reasons they got there in the first place.
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