Arsenal Must Keep Building After Champions League Final Defeat, Says Declan Rice

Arsenal’s search for a first Champions League crown continues after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and Declan Rice insists the setback is only a stage in the team’s development, stressing that the squad will continue to grow despite the hurt from the Champions League final.

The shoot-out swung several times after a 1-1 draw across 120 tense minutes, with Eberechi Eze missing from the spot before David Raya denied Nuno Mendes, only for Gabriel Magalhaes to fire over. Arsenal became the first side in a Champions League final shoot-out to miss the target with two penalties.

This defeat means Arsenal still have not lifted the European Cup or Champions League despite playing 226 matches in the competition, the most games for any club without winning the trophy. That long pursuit added extra weight to the loss against PSG, deepening frustration within the squad and fanbase.

Rice described a devastated dressing room but underlined the backing from Mikel Arteta. "He's [Mikel Arteta] gutted. We're all gutted, Rice told TNT Sports. The emotions and the stakes are so high. He spoke about how much he loves us as a group, this season, what we've done, how we've been every game, given 100% with everything thrown at us."

The final itself saw Kai Havertz give Arsenal an early lead, but Ousmane Dembele levelled from the penalty spot in the second half. Neither side found another goal during the remainder of normal time or throughout extra time, sending the Champions League showpiece into its decisive shoot-out.

Arsenal recorded just 24.7% possession, the lowest figure for any side in a Champions League final since such records began in 2003-04, and also the lowest under Arteta with 11 players on the pitch. PSG registered 21 shots, while Arsenal produced only one effort on target and 0.4 expected goals from seven attempts.

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Despite those attacking struggles, Rice highlighted the broader progress made this season and the Premier League title already secured. "We've come really far, and this is only the start for this group. We got over the line in the Premier League, which is a dream come true, and this would have been one step further, but we keep building. We keep going, we stay positive." That outlook reflects Arsenal’s belief that further Champions League challenges will follow.