Gabriel Magalhaes vows to take next Arsenal penalty after Champions League final miss

Gabriel Magalhaes ready to step up again after Champions League final penalty pain

Gabriel Magalhaes has vowed to step up from the spot again after his decisive penalty miss cost Arsenal in last season's Champions League final.

The defender was one of two Arsenal players to fail from 12 yards as the Gunners lost on penalties to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, having reached their first final in the competition since 2006. Gabriel, who fired the deciding spot-kick high over the crossbar, insists the experience has made him stronger rather than scarred.

“I think in a final anything can happen, so I think we did really well,” said the defender. “Like I said after the Champions League, of course, if I had another penalty I'm going to be there to take it and I think my team-mates helped me a lot after this.

“Of course, I was sad. I didn't want to miss a penalty, but I've learned from this and if I have another opportunity I'm there to take it.”

Reunion with former club Lille

The Brazilian centre-back — who began his European journey at Lille before joining the Gunners — could hardly have a more fitting stage for redemption, with Arsenal hosting the French side in the league phase on Tuesday as they look to build on their 1-0 win away to Napoli in their 2026-27 Champions League opener.

Manager Mikel Arteta has warned that his side must "earn the right" to return to the final, and Gabriel's resilience will be central to that mission — both at the back, where Arsenal's defensive numbers have been the best in the competition since the start of 2025-26, and, if required, from 12 yards once again.

Source: FotMob.