Last updated on May 8, 2025
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The Arsenal manager revealed that the mood in the dressing room was heartbreaking.
Image credit: AFTV
Mikel Arteta insists his Arsenal side were “100% the best team” in this season’s UEFA Champions League — even as their dream of reaching a first final since 2006 came crashing down in Paris.
Facing a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at the Emirates, Arsenal entered the Parc des Princes knowing they needed something special.
What followed was a high-octane semi-final second leg filled with chances, drama, and ultimately heartbreak.
Despite dominating large stretches of the match and recording an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.14, Arsenal couldn’t overcome the clinical edge of PSG, who ran out 2-1 winners on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.
Goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi proved decisive, rendering Bukayo Saka’s late strike a mere consolation.
Arteta: “We Were the Best Team in the Competition”
After the final whistle, a visibly emotional Arteta praised his players’ efforts and lamented their inability to capitalize on key moments.
“We were very close, much closer than the result showed. I don’t think there’s been a better team in the competition,” he said.
“But this game is won in both boxes. Their striker and goalkeeper were the difference.”
Indeed, Gianluigi Donnarumma was a standout across both legs, producing a series of world-class saves to deny Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Saka.
Arteta pointed to the Italian keeper as the true MVP of the tie.
Tears in the Dressing Room
The Arsenal manager revealed that the mood in the dressing room was heartbreaking.
Arteta consoling his players after their exit in the UEFA Champions League.
Image credit: ESPN UK
“They were in tears. It hurts. But that’s the price of being this close,” he added.
“You have to lose a few to learn how to win. Look at Marquinhos — 11 years chasing this trophy. That’s the level of resilience required.”
PSG’s Luis Enrique Disagrees
PSG boss Luis Enrique, though respectful, disagreed with Arteta’s assertion.
“Mikel is a great friend, but we deserved it,” Enrique said.
“We scored more goals, and football is about goals. Arsenal were great, but over two legs, we proved more effective.”
Arsenal’s Trophy Drought Continues
This latest setback means Arsenal will finish a fifth consecutive season without silverware, despite back-to-back Premier League runner-up finishes and an FA Cup title back in 2020.
With a growingly restless fan base, pressure is mounting on Arteta to convert promise into podium finishes.
Still, the Spaniard remains defiant:
“If you want to play football at the highest level, fear cannot lead you. We’ll come back stronger.”
