Maha Christopher
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side were left devastated after losing 4-3 on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final.
According to TalkSPORT, Arsenal suffered heartbreak after a tense 1-1 draw ended in a penalty shootout, with PSG successfully defending their European crown.
The Gunners had taken an early lead through Kai Havertz before PSG responded when Ousmane Dembele converted a penalty following a foul by Cristhian Mosquera.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time or extra time, the match went to penalties, where PSG held their nerve. Arsenal’s hopes faded after misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes, whose effort sailed over the bar.
Reacting after the defeat, Arteta described the outcome as painful after Arsenal came close to winning the competition for the first time.
“It is painful,” the Arsenal boss said following the shootout loss.
Meanwhile, PSG coach Luis Enrique praised his players’ mentality after they retained the Champions League title. Enrique, who had spoken of his confidence in the team before the final, said he fully believed in his squad despite Arsenal’s strong form heading into the match.
“I’ve got huge respect for Mikel Arteta and the team he’s built, but I fully believe in my players,” Enrique said.
PSG forward Desire Doue also expressed his delight after helping the French champions secure back to back European titles.
“We are so, so proud, so happy and grateful. It was a tough game against a good team. We have to enjoy this as a team, as a family because we deserve it,” Doue told TNT Sports.
The young forward insisted PSG remain hungry for more success despite their latest triumph.
“We have to stay humble and we will work again. We want more, we are a young, hungry team. We will go again,” he said.
The victory secured PSG’s second consecutive Champions League title and further strengthened Enrique’s growing legacy with the French club.
