Martin Ødegaard Arsenal UCL reaction was filled with emotion as the captain addressed supporters following the Gunners’ 3-1 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals. Arsenal now turn focus to Sunday’s Premier League showdown at newly crowned champions Liverpool.
Painful Champions League Exit for Arsenal
Arsenal’s hopes of lifting a first-ever Champions League trophy came to an end midweek in Paris. Already trailing 2-1 on aggregate from the first leg, Mikel Arteta’s men couldn’t overcome PSG despite a strong start.
Fabian Ruiz’s opener and Achraf Hakimi’s second-half strike sealed Arsenal’s fate before Bukayo Saka netted a late consolation. It was the Gunners' deepest run in Europe since 2009, but it ended in heartbreak.
Ødegaard: “We Must Stay Together”
Captain Martin Ødegaard fronted the press after the match, describing the loss as “very painful” and admitting Arsenal fell short in the decisive moments.
“We started the game well, created big moments, but in the boxes, we weren’t good enough. That’s where the games are decided.” — Martin Ødegaard
He added that the only solution is to respond together, urging unity and resilience ahead of a tough domestic finish.
Emotional Dressing Room After PSG Defeat
Manager Mikel Arteta revealed that the loss left players in tears, showing how much progress the club has made on the European stage. The 2024–25 campaign marked Arsenal’s first UCL semi-final appearance in 16 years.
Still, Arteta’s trophy haul remains limited to the 2020 FA Cup, a point not lost on fans eager for major silverware under his tenure.
Arsenal Must Regroup for Crucial Run-In
Despite the disappointment, Arsenal remain second in the Premier League, just ahead of Manchester City and clear of Nottingham Forest in sixth. Their Champions League qualification is nearly guaranteed with one more win.
Upcoming fixtures against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa will determine if Arsenal can end the season strongly.
Arsenal Final Fixtures: Premier League 2025
| Opponent | Date |
|---|---|
| Liverpool (A) | May 12, 2025 |
| Nottingham Forest (H) | May 18, 2025 |
| Aston Villa (A) | May 25, 2025 |
- Ødegaard’s Leadership: Arsenal captain rallies team after UCL elimination.
- Liverpool Test Awaits: Gunners face Premier League champions next.
- Champions League Still in Reach: Arsenal need one win from final three to secure UCL spot for next season.
Arsenal’s Champions League dream may be over, but their season is far from finished. Martin Ødegaard’s rallying cry sets the tone for a defining final stretch. With Liverpool up next, the Gunners must show the fight their captain demands.
Can Arsenal bounce back at Anfield? Drop your score prediction below and share this article with fellow Gooners.
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
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By Adem 9 May 2025 14:31
i don't see Arsenal winning. That defeat smashed their confident or any hope and now they've nothing to play for they want this season to end asap.
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