Bukayo Saka: Arsenal Star Misses Penalty Against Real Madrid in Champions League QF, Fans React
- Arsenal star Bukayo Saka squandered the perfect opportunity to 'kill' off Real Madrid in their Champions League tie
- Saka opted for the fanciful Panenka penalty, which was expertly saved by Madrid's Thibaut Courtois
- Fans, particularly Arsenal supporters, have since lashed out at the Englishman for wasting the penalty chance
Bukayo Saka squandered a golden chance during Arsenal's highly anticipated UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Gunners were handed an early advantage in the match when Raul Asencio brought down his marker inside the area.
Source: Getty Images
Saka wastes penalty vs Real Madrid
Following a brief check on the monitor, French referee François Letexier — after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) — pointed to the spot, triggering a roar of protest from the Madrid faithful.
With pressure mounting under the deafening whistles of the home crowd, Saka took on the responsibility.
Rather than opting for power or precision, the 23-year-old chose flair — attempting a Panenka in a high-stakes moment.
It was a bold call, but one that spectacularly backfired.
Thibaut Courtois, a veteran of countless Champions League nights, read the situation perfectly.
Though initially diving to his right, the Belgian keeper maintained enough balance to comfortably pluck Saka’s floated effort from the air — snuffing out what could have been a momentum-shifting goal for the visitors.
Technically, the decision to execute a Panenka — especially against an experienced shot-stopper like Courtois — raised eyebrows.
In pressure situations, consistency and decisiveness often trump audacity, and this attempt only reinforced that notion.
Fans react to Saka's miss
The reaction online was swift and fierce:
@JMC_OfficiaI wrote:
"Saka will always bottle it when the pressure is on."
@FouresArmy asked:
"Why did he try a Panenka, though?"
@RealMikeOHearn questioned the penalty decision:
"Why would Odegaard give it to him? Bizarre. Was nailed on to miss it."
@kayykayyy_1 criticised Saka’s mentality:
"This guy is not serious."
@culerforeverrrr offered a different view:
"Pls don’t abuse him."
@mohamed_ab38527 summed up his disappointment:
"Don’t trust Saka again."
Despite the backlash, the miss will inevitably serve as a lesson in composure and decision-making under pressure.
On a night when precision was paramount, a single moment of improvisation proved costly.
Saka redeems himself as Arsenal stun Madrid in Spain
Nevertheless, he made amends in the second half with a sublime finish from close range in the 65th minute to break the game's deadlock, per the Guardian.
Despite Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior scoring two minutes later, it proved to be only a consolation as Gabriel Martinelli notched the winner in the third minute of stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win on the night for the Gunners and a 5-1 aggregate scoreline, as noted by the BBC.
The victory at the Bernabeu means the North London club are unbeaten in four competitive meetings with Madrid (three wins and a draw).
Partey receives widespread praise
Relatedly, YEN.com.gh reported that Thomas Partey received widespread acclaim on social media following his outstanding performance against Real Madrid.
The 31-year-old midfield powerhouse delivered yet another dominant display as Arsenal silenced Los Blancos at the historic Santiago Bernabéu.
Source: YEN.com.gh
