Despite missing out on the Champions League title, Arteta encouraged Arsenal to turn their disappointment into motivation.

Arsenal, nicknamed "The Gunners," got off to a dream start in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League final thanks to a goal from Havertz, but conceded a goal later in the game and lost 3-4 to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout, thus missing out on the title.

Arsenal's attack in the 6th minute was cleared by Marquinhos, and Havertz received a pass from Trossard, ran into the penalty area, and fired a shot into the net, giving Arsenal a dream start with a 1-0 lead.

In the 62nd minute of the second half, Kvalatschria was tripped by Moskra during an attack, and the referee awarded Paris Saint-Germain a penalty. Dembele then converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 for Paris Saint-Germain.

With the score still tied after extra time, the match went to penalties. In the first round, Gonzalo Ramos and Dzekeresh both scored. In the second round, Due scored, while Eze's penalty went wide. In the third round, Nuno Mendes' penalty was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, but Rice scored.

In the fourth round, Achraf Hakimi and Martinelli both scored from their penalties. In the fifth round, Lucas Berardo scored a penalty, but Gabriel missed his.

Ultimately, Arsenal narrowly lost 3-4 to Paris Saint-Germain, failing to end their season with a second title.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said, "All I feel is pain, but we have to feel this pain and go through it all. At some point in the future, we need to turn this feeling into motivation to move forward, to become stronger and reach new heights."

“I know the circumstances under which we achieved all this, and I know what the team has gone through to get to this point. Even if I thanked the players a million times, it wouldn’t be enough to express my feelings. It’s not just because we’ve won the Premier League title again after so many years, or reached the final, or performed like this in the Champions League final and came so close to the title.”

Arteta pointed out, "We had a very good start, we scored early and created some chances later, but the game didn't go as we expected. I think this is thanks to Paris Saint-Germain, who have a very strong team and forced us into a passive situation in some situations."

"Not much actually happened in the game. Apart from two chances that came from our own mistakes, they didn't create any real clear scoring opportunities."

Furthermore, Arteta stated, "Anything can happen once a match goes to penalties. Unfortunately, we couldn't secure the win in regular time or extra time, nor could we win the Champions League."

"Fans deserve to share this moment with the team. They should have the opportunity to express their love for the players and their appreciation for the team. It's a bit difficult for me to enjoy this right now, but hopefully things will get better."

Image source: Internet