Arsenal's Champions League Curse Continues: Penalties Deliver Heartbreak Again

Arsenal suffered another devastating Champions League final defeat, this time losing on penalties, extending their wait for European football's greatest prize. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners had reached only their second final in the competition's history, having ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title.

But just as Arsène Wenger's side fell short against Barcelona at the Stade de France two decades ago, the cruel lottery of penalties struck again. 'It is very hard to accept.

When you have been so consistent throughout the competition, you reach the final and lose on penalties... it is very difficult,' a devastated Arteta said after the match.

Arsenal have now played 226 Champions League matches without lifting the trophy — more than any other club in the competition's history.