Why crucial penalty miss was 'cruel blow' for Arsenal standout Gabriel

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Why crucial penalty miss was 'cruel blow' for Arsenal standout Gabriel Figure caption, Gabriel blazes over penalty as PSG win Champions LeagueByKeifer MacDonaldBBC Sport journalistPublished36 minutes agoThe 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 cruel end to the defender's first European final. His penalty, blasted over the crossbar, proved decisive as the Gunners suffered shootout heartbreak and PSG successfully defended their title.

For a player who has so often been Arsenal's difference-maker this season, it was not the contribution he would have envisaged before the club's first Champions League final since 2006. It was 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 said.

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"Normally the penalty takers would be Bukayo , Martin and Kai . But we knew if the game went to extra-time and penalties, different players would have to step forward. "It was a painful way for one of Arsenal's standout performers of the season to bring his campaign to a close.

Speaking on Radio 5 Live, former Arsenal defender Matt Upson called it "one of those John Terry moments", referring to the 2008 Champions League final when the Chelsea captain had the chance to win the final in a shootout, but slipped as he struck the ball, which hit the post as Manchester United went on to claim the title. 'I've run out of words for him as a person and as a player'Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Instead of celebrating with his PSG team-mates, Marquinhos consoled his compatriotIt was a night that began so brightly for Arsenal. When Kai Havertz smashed the ball high into the roof of the net over Matvey Safonov inside six minutes, their supporters were in dreamland at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

And despite dominating possession, PSG were unable to fashion many clear chances for their feared front three of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, with Arsenal's defence largely keeping them under control. At the heart of that was Gabriel. The defender made more clearances than any other player on the pitch (13) as the Gunners chased 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.

But after Dembele equalised from the penalty spot, the contest became a must-not-lose affair for both sides, with neither keeper seriously tested as the tension rose in Hungary and the game drifted towards a shootout. There was an early advantage for PSG when Eberechi Eze stroked his penalty wide after a stuttering run up, but Gunners keeper David Raya responded by saving Nuno Mendes' effort.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.