UK media reactions after Arsenal crash on penalties in Champions League final: 'Broken hearts'
Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Saturday, 30 May 2026 22:52 / Updated Saturday, 30 May 2026 23:02
Arsenal came closer than ever to their first Champions League triumph, but the Londoners' dream was shattered in Budapest. The Gunners were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain after a series of penalties, score 3-4, after 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes of play. Reactions of disappointment and frustration immediately appeared in the British press as well.
“Heartbroken for Arsenal fans,” headlined the BBC immediately after the defeat in the Hungarian capital. “This is a big blow for Gabriel,” former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson told the English station's radio programme. “It was a John Terry-style penalty.”
Despair in the British media after Arsenal lost the Champions League final
“Gabriel shoots over the bar. Arsenal players lying all over the pitch. Disbelief and hopelessness,” noted Sky Sports, who added: “The Londoners were unbeaten in this Champions League campaign but will have to wait for the trophy.”
“Gunners destroyed,” headlined The Daily Mail. “This is the most painful way to lose a final. A terrible penalty taken by a player who has been so good all season, but that's why you don't let a defender take the last penalty,” continued the British journalists, in a critical tone.
“From joy to sadness in such a short time. They should be proud of themselves. It wasn't the best final and they fought to the end against the best team in Europe at the moment. It was a masterful defensive display. What a terrible way to lose a final. It can't get any worse,” added the Britons.
How they commented on the possible penalty in overtime
On American channel TNT Sports, there was talk of an alleged extra-time penalty for the north London club. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was one of the pundits at the table and declared “that Arsenal weren't bothered by it”.
At The Sun, the painful defeat was mainly attributed to key players not performing up to expectations. Star Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Ødegaard were rated 5 for their performance against PSG.
Surprisingly, one of the players who received the highest score, 8, is Gabriel himself, according to sportnieuws.nl. He had a solid game but was responsible for missing the decisive penalty.
