The opportunity for regret over missed chances was certainly present. Entering the Champions League final in the 83rd minute, a match Paris Saint-Germain ultimately won against Arsenal this Saturday in Budapest (1-1, 4-3 on penalties), Bradley Barcola found himself with two clear opportunities to secure victory for the capital club before the decisive penalty shootout.

The 23-year-old forward was first thwarted by David Raya’s assertive rush from goal in the 85th minute. Then, deep into stoppage time of the second half (90th + 7), Barcola missed what could have been the winning goal. Having broken free behind the Gunners’ defense, the former Lyon player saw his powerful shot, taken from a tight angle, narrowly miss the target after some imprecise ball control.

Despite these moments of concern, PSG ultimately triumphed, lifting the prestigious European Cup for the second consecutive year. Barcola, reflecting on his personal misses, chose to make light of them on his Instagram account later that evening, sharing a message with his followers.

« Ma3lich on a gagné »

For his post, which included a photograph of himself alongside Ousmane Dembélé, both proudly holding the trophy, the French international penned the caption: « J’aurais dû tuer le match mais ma3lich (it’s not serious in Arabic) on a gagné. » This translates to a lighthearted acceptance of his missed chances, overshadowed by the team’s ultimate success.

It is worth noting that the winger did not participate in the penalty shootout itself. This proved unnecessary, however, as PSG secured their victory with only a single missed spot-kick, claiming another title in Europe’s most esteemed club competition.