Barcola joked about his missed chances as PSG secured Champions League title

Paris Saint-Germain etched their name into history once again, lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy for the second consecutive year. The 1-1 draw against Arsenal in Budapest culminated in a dramatic penalty shootout victory, with the French giants prevailing 4-3. Yet, amidst the celebrations, star winger Bradley Barcola offered a humorous perspective on his own near-miss moments.

Substituted onto the field in the 83rd minute, Barcola had golden opportunities to seal the win before the tense shootout. With the clock ticking past the 90th minute, the 23-year-old found himself in a one-on-one with Arsenal’s goalkeeper. A rushed touch under pressure led to a powerful shot from a tight angle—but the ball sailed just wide, narrowly missing the target in stoppage time.

The drama didn’t end there. While Arsenal’s David Raya made a crucial save in the 85th minute, Barcola’s missed opportunity in the dying seconds of regulation time could have shifted the entire narrative. Yet, the young forward took it in stride, embracing the moment with characteristic optimism.

In a lighthearted Instagram post later that evening, Barcola shared a photo with teammate Ousmane Dembélé, proudly holding the Champions League trophy. His caption read: “J’aurais dû tuer le match mais ma3lich, on a gagné.” (“I should have killed the game but, never mind, we won.”) The playful tone reflected the club’s resilience and ultimate triumph.

Barcola’s decision to forgo a penalty kick during the shootout didn’t hinder the team’s success. The PSG side, which suffered just one miss in the decisive rounds, secured another historic victory on European soil.

As the dust settled on another unforgettable final, Barcola’s candid reaction became a highlight of the night—a reminder that even missed chances can’t overshadow the sweet taste of glory.