Gabriel "Outstanding" Despite Penalty Heartbreak as Arsenal Fall to PSG in Champions League Final

Peter Schmeichel has lavished praise on Gabriel Magalhaes in the aftermath of Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, despite the Brazilian defender's crucial penalty miss in the shootout.

The Gunners started brightly, with Kai Havertz's early strike putting them ahead. However, Ousmane Dembele hauled PSG level from the spot in the 64th minute, forcing the contest into extra time. When no further goals materialised, penalties determined the outcome, with PSG prevailing 4-3 after both Eberechi Eze and Gabriel failed to convert.

Speaking to CBS Sports, the Manchester United legend singled out Gabriel for special commendation. "I thought he was outstanding, the best player on the pitch," Schmeichel reflected. "His defending was so good. For him to be the guy who missed the last penalty and decided the result, I feel so sorry for him."

Schmeichel went on to defend the decision to deploy Gabriel as Arsenal's fifth penalty taker, suggesting it was unfair to criticise such a choice. "I don't think you can say that, I think that's a bit of an insult because of course he can kick a ball, this is a top player," he explained. "But that is pressure, he knows he has to score and if he doesn't PSG will win. What he tried to do there is hit the roof of the net and that carries that risk, if you don't get it right it gets over."

The pundit highlighted how Arsenal's approach shifted following their early advantage. "Because Arsenal took the lead the whole game and tactics changed and Arsenal leant into what they've done so many times in the Premier League this season, defend that 1-0," he noted. "I really feel for Gabriel. He was a man mountain at the back, that guy kept them alive for a very, very long time."

Arsenal will dust themselves down ahead of their Premier League title parade scheduled for Sunday in north London, though captain Martin Odegaard cautioned against rushing their recovery from the European disappointment.

"We need to take our time in order to get over this loss," Odegaard said. "The season's been amazing in a lot of different ways, we just couldn't quite do the double. But we have to be proud of our performance. We've done some incredible things and we had a great run in the Champions League as well. We just have to use the feeling that we have now and also the positive feelings we have from this season to reflect on all of it and make sure we come back even stronger next season."

Manager Mikel Arteta echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the cruel nature of the defeat. "It's very tough when you are so consistent in the competition all the way to the final, and at the end you lose the trophy on a penalty kick," he said. "It's difficult. I'm so proud of them. It's just a privilege to manage this group of players, this team, the way they carry this badge and how much they put into it."

Arsenal's wait for a maiden Champions League crown therefore extends beyond this campaign, with European redemption now a target for next season.