(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Tue 2 June 2026 10:44, UK

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Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has spoken out for the first time since conceding a costly penalty in the Champions League final.

Mosquera, who started at right-back ahead of Jurrien Timber against PSG, gave away a penalty in the second half after fouling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the penalty area.

Ousmane Dembele equalised from the spot to cancel out Kai Havertz’s early goal for the Gunners, who went on to lose the match 4-3 on penalties.

It was just the second Champions League final in Arsenal’s history, as they were looking to win the trophy for the very first time, and had looked on course to do so until Mosquera’s error.

It was the second final Arsenal had lost this season, but Mikel Arteta’s side had already sealed their main objective of the campaign, which was to win the Premier League title.

Cristhian Mosquera says Champions League final ‘brought him pain’

Taking to Instagram two days after the Champions League final to reflect on the match, Mosquera felt everything was going “perfectly” until he conceded the penalty.

The 21-year-old said that the “pain” of losing the Champions League final will only benefit him in the future, calling his first season at Arsenal “unforgettable.”

Teammates Gabriel Magalhaes, Mikel Merino and Piero Hincapie all replied to the post offering their support to the Spaniard.

Gabriel, whose penalty miss handed PSG the Champions League, commented, “Come on, brother! Let’s go together,” whilst Merino replied, “We’re in this together, bro. You’re awesome!!”

Hincapie said: “Let’s go, let’s continue,” whilst the likes of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and David Raya all liked the post.

Arsenal set record in Premier League title success

Arsenal’s Premier League title success was built on defensive solidity, and the fact that the Gunners did not concede a penalty or receive a red card throughout the season.

It was the very first time any Premier League side had achieved that feat, but former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, believes Arsenal were fortunate to set that Premier League record.

The Gunners also benefited the most, alongside Chelsea, from VAR decisions, with seven errors in favour of Arteta’s side.

VAR though did not intervene in the Champions League final when Noni Madueke thought he was fouled by Nuno Mendes in the penalty area in extra-time, in a moment which proved crucial.