At the end of the first half, cameras recorded images of Thierry Henry in the stands, still pensive even though Arsenal - his old team, led 1-0 against Paris St Germain in the 2025-2026 Champions League final. Perhaps, many people understand what "The Son of the Wind" is thinking.
20 years ago, in Paris, Titi and his teammates also had a goal to take the lead against Barcelona, despite losing a player from the 18th minute. Arsenal lost 1-2 at the Stade de France.
That was the period when Arsenal had a great sublimation, especially after the unbeaten 2003-2004 season in the Premier League. But then who knew, they would have to wait 2 decades to return to the Champions League final again.
Henry once encouraged his younger generation that they must win the Champions League to be "forgettable forever", not just "invincible people" in his generation.
90 minutes were reduced to 45, with an advantage for the Gunners. Even when PSG equalized after more than 10 minutes of the second half, they still fought to not be too far from the cup.
After 90 minutes, then another 30 minutes, the tension gradually increased, especially the best stars were pulled out, the legs became stiff and tired.
And then, when they don't have to run anymore, just shoot, bravery is what is most clearly revealed. In goal, David Raya is still as excellent as he has shown throughout the season - successfully saving once, but his teammates did not complete the task.
People often say penalty shootouts are risky, but no, modern play requires more courage when facing breathtaking pressure.
2 shots wide of the goal, whether accidental or arranged by fate, is also the shortest summary of Arsenal's image still lacking the most important thing - the quality of victory in the blood.
Their squad only has 2 people who have won the Champions League, in which Kai Havertz is indeed a player of big matches - scoring in the final for 2 different teams, the other is reserve goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who has almost not contributed much.
Of course, failure does not mean that Arsenal's entire journey becomes meaningless. They have gone through a season unbeaten in the Champions League (excluding penalty shootouts), showing outstanding maturity in tactical thinking and practicality in important stages.
Moreover, from that journey, it can be seen that Mikel Arteta has gathered a star squad whose connections have become extremely suitable, solid and effective. The next issue is that from the defeat in Budapest, Arteta knows what needs to be added for the next season.
The match ended, Arteta looked up at the sky, tired and sad. But when things calm down, he should and will be extremely proud of what his team has achieved.
The Gunners lost in an extremely close match. And surely, they will return. Quarterfinals 2 years ago, semi-finals last year, runner-up this year... Champion next year?
