Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has voiced his compassion for Arsenal defender Gabriel, who he believes was the standout performer during the Champions League final before his decisive penalty miss handed PSG the title. The Brazilian center-back’s wayward spot-kick, which sailed over the crossbar, confirmed Paris Saint-Germain’s reign as European champions and dashed Arsenal’s hopes of glory for another season.
Arsenal, who had clinched the Premier League trophy earlier, entered the final with high ambitions. They took an early lead through Kai Havertz’s clinical finish within seven minutes. However, PSG gradually seized control of the match, though they struggled to create clear chances. The equalizer came shortly after halftime when Ousmane Dembele converted a penalty after Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The game ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. While PSG held their nerve, Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze also missed from the spot before Gabriel’s costly error. Schmeichel, who won the Champions League with Manchester United in 1999, shared his thoughts on CBS Sports: “It came down to penalties, and it could have gone either way. I feel immense sympathy for Gabriel because I believed he was exceptional, the best player on the pitch. His defensive performance was outstanding. For him to be the one who missed the final penalty that determined the outcome, I feel deeply sorry for him.”
When asked whether it was a mistake for Gabriel to take the fifth penalty, Schmeichel defended the decision: “I don’t think you can say that; that’s a bit of an insult because of course he can kick a ball—this is a top player. But that is pressure; he knows he has to score, and if he doesn’t, PSG will win.”