Chelsea have mocked Arsenal just moments after their London rivals lost the Champions League final on penalties. The Gunners were beaten 4-3 in a shootout after Gabriel Magalhaes blazed the decisive spot-kick over the crossbar. The match had finished 1-1 after extra time, with Ousmane Dembele's second-half penalty cancelling out Kai Havertz's early opener.
Despite David Raya saving from Nuno Mendes, Eberechi Eze sent his penalty wide before Gabriel's miss sealed Arsenal's fate. Minutes later, Chelsea posted on social media: 'Come and visit London's Home of Trophies. Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now.' The post featured images of their replica Champions League and Club World Cup trophies, along with banners reading 'London's finest' and 'Pride of London'.
The taunt went down well with Chelsea fans, who relished the opportunity to remind Arsenal that the Blues have won the Champions League twice, in 2012 and 2021. Arsenal supporters were quick to point out that they had won the Premier League title just weeks earlier, but the north London club have now lost both of their Champions League finals, having been beaten by Barcelona in 2006.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who started his career at Chelsea's academy before being released at 14, said: 'It's gutting. It's devastating to lose the Champions League final on penalties. But an incredible season. We gave it absolutely everything. It's a lottery and that's football.' Manager Mikel Arteta added: 'It's very tough to accept when you are so consistent in the competition all the way to the final and you lose it on penalty kicks. It's a difficult one.'
The Gunners remain the team with the most games in European Cup/UEFA Champions League history without winning the trophy, having now played 226 matches in the competition without success.
