Chelsea take a sharp swipe at Arsenal right after losing the Champions League final to PSG
Chelsea took a cheeky jab at Arsenal right after the Gunners lost the Champions League final on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal started strong, with Kai Havertz scoring early in the 6th minute. PSG struggled to break them down in the first half. But in the second half, PSG earned a penalty after Cristian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Ousmane Dembele calmly scored from the spot in the 65th minute.
Extra time didn’t see any goals, though Viktor Gyokeres nearly scored near the end, with his shot saved for a corner.
In the shootout, PSG went first. Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze missed their second penalty, shooting wide. David Raya then made a good save from Nuno Mendes. Gabriel Magalhaes scored Arsenal’s fifth to tie 4-4, but missed suddenly after, blasting his shot over the bar.
It was heartbreaking for Arsenal, who had hoped to win their first-ever Champions League trophy. Chelsea didn’t miss the chance for a little fun, posting on Instagram to promote their Stamford Bridge tours, calling it “London’s Home of Trophies.”
Chelsea’s post showed their Champions League win in 2012 and their Club World Cup title from last summer under Enzo Maresca. Though Chelsea struggled this season and finished ninth in the Premier League without any European football next year, they’ve hired Xabi Alonso as the new manager starting July 1. He’s expected to have more control over key decisions.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will enter next season as the current Premier League champions. After reaching their first Champions League final in 20 years, this loss was a tough blow.
After the game, midfielder Declan Rice told TNT Sports, “It’s gutting. Losing a Champions League final on penalties is devastating. But we’ve come such a long way as a team. Tonight was our 63rd game of the season, and we gave it everything.”
He added, “It’s a lottery—penalties can go either way, and some of the best teams have lost finals like this. We win together, we lose together. I’m really proud of this group. It’s been an amazing season. I can’t say enough good things about everyone.”
“Of course, I’m gutted, but I’m trying to keep perspective. We started last July and look where we are now. It’s been a great journey. We’ll be back.”