Arsenal players and fans are heartbroken after a cruel defeat in the Champions League final.

Arsenal once again fell just short of glory, losing to PSG on penalties in the Champions League final. For the Gunners' supporters, it was a night of indescribable pain.

This is the second time Arsenal has tasted heartbreak in the final of Europe's top competition. The first came in 2006, when they lost 1-2 to Barcelona. Twenty years later, history seemed to repeat itself as Mikel Arteta's side fell to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal started perfectly at the Puskas Arena. In the fifth minute, Kai Havertz put the English side ahead with a cool and classy finish. That goal seemed to send the red-clad fans into their most beautiful dream.

The opening goal had a touch of luck, as a clearance from Marquinhos inadvertently bounced off Leandro Trossard's left shoulder and found its way to Havertz.

But the rest was pure individual brilliance from the German striker. With three delicate left-foot touches before unleashing a shot into the roof of the net, Havertz showed the big-stage nerve that helped him score the decisive goal for Chelsea against Manchester City five years ago.

Arsenal's dream start seemed to favor them statistically: the previous 11 teams to score first in a Champions League final all went on to lift the trophy. But football always holds unpredictable twists.

After Havertz's goal—Arsenal's only shot on target in the entire match—the game tilted heavily in PSG's favor. The Parisian side dominated possession and pushed Arsenal deep. Behind David Raya's goal, the stands filled with around 17,000 Arsenal fans cheered passionately for every desperate clearance.

PSG's pressure continued into the second half and finally paid off. In the 64th minute, makeshift right-back Cristhian Mosquera was beaten by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and forced to foul inside the box. German referee Daniel Siebert immediately pointed to the spot. Ousmane Dembele made no mistake from 11 meters, leveling the score at 1-1.

That moment sent a chill down Arsenal's spine. In 2006, they had also taken the lead in the final only to see Barcelona come back. In the stands, Arsène Wenger—the man who led Arsenal to their first final in club history—watched silently, his face full of thought.

This time, Arsenal managed to take the game into extra time, something they failed to do two decades ago. However, during the tense 30 minutes, neither side found a winning goal. And then came the scenario English teams dread most: a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

PSG won the coin toss and took their penalties in front of their own fans, a significant psychological advantage. Arsenal started well, but Eberechi Eze missed the second attempt. Still, David Raya kept hope alive for the London side by saving Nuno Mendes's kick.

It seemed Arsenal would overcome the challenge as the remaining players converted their penalties with composure. But on the decisive kick, Gabriel—who had been outstanding for the entire 120 minutes—sent the ball over the crossbar in a fateful moment.

The Brazilian center-back immediately pulled his shirt over his face and collapsed in utter agony as teammates rushed to console him. One of the best players on the pitch had become an unwilling tragic figure.

Midfielder Declan Rice summed up Arsenal's mood succinctly after the match: "It's painful. Missing a penalty in a Champions League final is something nobody wants. But we stand by Eze and Gabriel. That's football."

They won’t be the last to miss in a final. Anyone can make mistakes. Without them this season, Arsenal wouldn’t have won the Premier League. It’s cruel, but we have to hold onto the positives."

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson shared similar feelings. In his view, looking at stats like possession, pass accuracy, and overall play, PSG were clearly superior. Yet Arsenal were still just centimeters away from the title.

Meanwhile, for PSG, it was a night of explosive emotion. Young winger Désiré Doué said emotionally after the game: "We are incredibly proud, happy, and grateful. This was an extremely tough match against a strong opponent.

The whole team must savor this moment as a family, because we deserve it. Look at the stands. I thank God because this is what I prayed for."

As for Arsenal, the Champions League trophy remains out of reach once again. They fought bravely, came so close to the pinnacle of European football, but then saw their dream shatter before their eyes. A radiant Budapest night for PSG, and a long, regretful night for those who love Arsenal.