Rice: This loss will not define us, even if we fail to achieve our goal of winning a double title.

Arsenal, nicknamed "The Gunners," took the lead in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League final after a goal from Havertz, but ultimately conceded a goal in regular time and lost to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout, missing out on the Champions League title. England star Rice stated that penalty shootouts are brutal, but emphasized that this defeat does not define the team's ability.

Six minutes into the game, Arsenal's attack 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, Kvalatschlia was tripped by Moskra during an attack, resulting in a penalty for Paris Saint-Germain. Dembele then converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 for Paris Saint-Germain.

In the penalty shootout, Gonzalo Ramos and Dzekeresh both scored in the first round. 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, while 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 own.

Ultimately, Arsenal lost 3-4 to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout, failing to finish the season with a double.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said in an interview, "Losing the Champions League final by penalty shootout is really painful. But we will try to look at it from a broader perspective and think about the progress this team has made. That's how penalty shootouts are, you either win or you lose, and many of the greatest teams in history have lost in penalty shootouts."

"We won together and we lost together, and I'm incredibly proud of this team and my teammates. This season has been truly amazing, and I can't possibly give enough credit to everyone. Of course, I'm very disappointed, but I'm trying to reflect on the whole process. We've made tremendous progress since we started preparing last July."

Speaking about Gabriel and Eze who missed their penalties, Rice said, "They are very upset. Missing a penalty in the Champions League final is definitely not a pleasant experience, but we love them and we will always support them."

"They won't be the last two players to miss a penalty in the final; every player can miss a penalty in their career. There's no doubt that without their contributions this season, we simply wouldn't have won the Premier League title."

Rice also stated, "We will move forward and continue to strive for great goals. Everyone is very disappointed, after all, this is the Champions League final, which is so significant, and the result is so cruel. Manager Arteta has also told us how much he loves this team, and that we have given everything."

“Winning the Premier League title was a dream come true. The Champions League title would have been an even greater achievement, but this time fate wasn’t on our side. But we will continue to build the team and maintain a positive attitude. This defeat will not define us.”

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