Bradley Barcola’s humorous take on missed chances after PSG’s Champions League triumph

The moment could have been one of profound regret. Entering the fray in the 83rd minute of the Champions League final, which Paris Saint-Germain ultimately clinched against Arsenal this Saturday in Budapest (1-1, 4-3 on penalties), Bradley Barcola found himself with two golden opportunities to secure victory for the capital club before the tense penalty shootout.

The 23-year-old forward was thwarted by a decisive charge from Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, in the 85th minute. Then, deep into second-half stoppage time (90th + 7), Barcola missed what could have been the match-winning goal. After a somewhat erratic dribble, the former Lyon player, having burst behind the Gunners’ defense, unleashed a powerful shot from a tight angle that veered wide of the target.

However, the initial scare quickly dissipated as PSG ultimately triumphed, lifting the coveted ‘big-eared trophy’ for the second consecutive year. Relativizing his own missed chances, Barcola shared a light-hearted reflection on his Instagram account later that evening.

“Ma3lich, we won”

Accompanying a photograph of himself alongside Ousmane Dembélé, both clutching the trophy, the French international penned a memorable caption: “I should have killed the match, but ma3lich (which translates to “it’s not serious” or “it doesn’t matter” in Arabic), we won.”

Notably, the winger did not step up to take a penalty during the decisive shootout. This proved unnecessary, as Paris Saint-Germain secured their victory with only one missed spot-kick, claiming another prestigious title in Europe’s most elite club competition.