Arsenal’s hopes of securing a commanding lead in their Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid suffered a significant setback after Bukayo Saka failed to convert a penalty during Tuesday’s match at the Bernabeu. The missed opportunity arrived following a contentious call awarded to Arsenal early in the game, stemming from a foul committed by Raul Asencio on Mikel Merino during a corner kick.
The decision required review through VAR, with the referee consulting the pitchside monitor before ultimately awarding the penalty, much to the displeasure of the home crowd who responded with a chorus of whistles and jeers. Saka then stepped up to take the spot-kick but executed his attempt in an unexpected manner. Attempting a chip over Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois—a move reminiscent of the Panenka technique—the England winger’s effort lacked conviction, floating weakly towards the keeper.
Courtois, having already initiated his dive, managed to deflect the ball away with a strong hand, sending it out for a corner before celebrating with his teammates and prompting ecstatic cheers from the Real Madrid supporters. Had Saka successfully converted the penalty, Arsenal would have held a commanding 4-0 aggregate advantage, effectively eliminating any realistic chance of a Real Madrid revival. The Gunners had previously secured a dominant 3-0 victory in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium last week, leaving Real Madrid with an uphill battle to overturn the deficit.
The unusual attempt drew immediate and widespread reaction from fans. As one supporter remarked, “Bukayo, what were you thinking? Why deviate from your usual approach?” Another commented on the ease of the save: “That’s among the most easily saved penalties I’ve ever witnessed – a soft height, nowhere near the top corner.” A third fan questioned Saka’s decision-making: “The penalty felt too relaxed and casual. Where did that change in style come from? He usually blasts them into the net.”
