Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Gabriel personally volunteered to take a penalty in the Champions League final shootout against Paris Saint-Germain, despite the defender ultimately missing the decisive spot-kick.
The Brazilian centre-back saw his effort sail over the crossbar as Arsenal suffered heartbreak in Budapest, allowing PSG to retain the Champions League title after a 1-1 draw.
Gabriel’s miss proved costly in a tense shootout that ended the Gunners’ hopes of winning Europe’s biggest club competition for the first time.
Gabriel stepped forward for Arsenal
Speaking after the match, Arteta disclosed that Gabriel had specifically requested responsibility from the penalty spot.
“He wanted to take it,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal boss explained that several of the club’s regular penalty takers were unavailable by the time the match reached a shootout, forcing other players to assume responsibility.
“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.”
Arteta added that Gabriel had prepared extensively for the possibility and was ready to accept the pressure of the moment.
Heartbreak after strong defensive display
The missed penalty capped a frustrating end to what had otherwise been an impressive performance from the Brazilian defender.
Gabriel was one of Arsenal’s standout performers throughout the final, helping to contain PSG’s dangerous attacking trio and recording the highest number of clearances in the match.
The Gunners had taken an early lead through Kai Havertz before PSG equalised from the penalty spot, courtesy of Dembele, forcing extra time and eventually a shootout.
After Eberechi Eze missed one of Arsenal’s penalties, Gabriel’s failure to convert handed PSG the advantage they needed to secure victory.
Teammates rally around defender
Despite the disappointment, Arsenal players were quick to support the defender after the final whistle.
Midfielder Declan Rice stressed that Gabriel’s contribution throughout the season should not be forgotten because of one difficult moment.
“To miss a penalty in a Champions League final, obviously it’s not nice,” Rice said.
“But we love them and we’re with them. It happens in football.”
