Arsenal’s wait for a first European Cup continues after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, yet Declan Rice insists the squad responds. Rice stresses the campaign shows major progress and believes the group returns stronger.

The final in Budapest ends 1-1 after extra-time, before PSG win 4-3 on penalties. Kai Havertz scores in the sixth minute, finishing Arsenal’s only shot on target. Ousmane Dembele replies from the spot on 65 minutes, and Luis Enrique’s side holds firm.

Rice is candid about the pain, telling TNT Sports: “It’s gutting, it’sdevastating to lose a Champions League final on penalties, Rice told TNT Sports. We’ve tried to take a lot of perspective on how far we’ve come as a group. We’ve had an incredible season. We’ve given it absolutely everythingwe took the game to penalties. It’sa lottery. You either win on pens or lose on pens; some of the best teams ever have lost on penalties in finals. It’s sad to see the season end with that but we win together and lose together. What a season, it’s been incredible. I’m obviously gutted but I’m trying to take a bit of perspective, from where we started at last July to where we are now, it’s been an incredible journey this season, so we’ll be back.”

Two penalties prove decisive for Arsenal. Eberechi Eze fails with an earlier attempt in the shoot-out, then Gabriel Magalhaes sends the crucial fifth kick over the bar. PSG convert four of their efforts, leaving Arsenal players on the pitch in clear distress.

Arsenal records only 24.7% possession, their lowest figure under Mikel Arteta with eleven players. That number is also the lowest on record for any side in a Champions League final since detailed data begins in 2003-04, underlining PSG’s control of the ball.

That Opta metric highlights how often Arsenal defend deep against PSG’s attack. Yet Rice stands by the tactical setup, arguing the approach is realistic against such opponents and pointing out that a more open style could have allowed several PSG goals.

“Against PSG you need to be mentally on it, Rice said. I’m sure a lot of people will have wanted a game like how Bayern Munich played against them, but if we’d have gone out there and played like that, that’swhat they want and how they score five or six. I think as the game went on we really grew and had some chances and nullified them. But credit to themthey’ve lost loads over the years and now it’s their time. Small losses, and that’s what we’ve got, now we have to keep pushing and try for something big.”

The statistical context of the Arsenal Champions League final defeat is underlined by Opta’s post-match note and visual.