Arsenal’s Magalhaes vows to step up after May penalty miss

Brazilian centre‑back Gabriel Magalhaes saw his penalty sail over the bar in the Champions League final against Paris Saint‑Germain in May, a brutal moment that left the Budapest night sky echoing his miss and haunted the Arsenal supporters who had hoped for glory.

Press conference focus on penalty

Magalhaes was the natural choice to front Arsenal’s pre‑match press conference against Lille, having previously played for the French side. Yet journalists steered the discussion away from the French club or his current form, concentrating instead on the defender’s missed penalty in the Champions League final versus PSG in May.

He admitted that his teammates lifted the weight of the agonising moment, saying, “My team‑mates helped me a lot after this. Of course I was sad, I didn’t want to miss a penalty, but I learned from it.” The Brazilian insists he bears no mental block and is ready to step up if called upon.

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Promise to step up

Ahead of Arsenal’s Tuesday night group‑phase game, Magalhaes told reporters, “In the final, anything can happen. We did really well in the Champions League. Of course, if I have another penalty, I’m going to be there to take it.” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was present as the defender reaffirmed his commitment.

Magalhaes has been described as an exceptional player and a key figure in Arsenal’s recent title win, and his willingness to shoulder responsibility underscores the confidence the Gunners carry into the Champions League group stage.