Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has defended Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhães after both missed in the penalty shootout that cost Arsenal the UEFA Champions League title against Paris Saint-Germain.
The final in Budapest ended 1-1 after extra time, with Eze dragging his shot wide and Gabriel blazing his over the crossbar.
Pain Of Losing A Penalty
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Reacting after the game, Rice said Gabriel and Eze were ‘devastated’ about their penalty misses but stressed their significant contributions to the club’s league title.
He praised Gabriel’s performances and Eze’s important goals during the season, noting that missed penalties are part of the game and the squad remains united.
“Missing a penalty in a Champions League final isn’t nice. But we love them. Look, that happens in football.
“They aren’t going to be the last players to miss a penalty in finals.
“Everyone has missed a penalty. Without them two this season, we wouldn’t have won the Premier League. It’s cruel, but we take the positives.”
Arsenal’s European journey and progress
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Arsenal reached their second Champions League final, having last appeared in 2006, and advanced to Budapest by defeating Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
The campaign marked progress from the previous season’s semi-final finish and coincided with winning their first Premier League title in over two decades.
