Arsenal fans have been left baffled by Bukayo Saka after the star’s missed penalty against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.
The Gunners held a 3-0 lead over Los Blancos after an impressive display at the Emirates Stadium that gave them a clear advantage.
There would be some nerves from supporters, though, as all the talk of a Real Madrid comeback surrounded the pre-match build-up.
Arsenal hung in there for the early stages and were given a chance to extend the lead after a VAR check.
Arsenal fans react to Bukayo Saka penalty against Real Madrid
Arsenal were handed a chance to open the scoring at the Bernabeu in the opening half of the second leg thanks to a bold referee decision.
A VAR check was reviewed for persistent holding as Raul Asensio took down Mikel Merino in the penalty area.
After a check from referee Francois Letexier, the spot kick was awarded, with Bukayo Saka stepping up to take it.
An attempted panenka chip was subsequently saved by Thibaut Courtois, keeping the game level on the night and opening the door to Real Madrid again.
Fans were left baffled by the decision as they took to social media to discuss the penalty by the star forward.
There was a mixture of frustration as one fan said: “A lot has gone on already but I’m still stunned, and baffled by Saka’s penalty. What was he thinking?”
Another added: “Saka man why you doing that for?”
One fan added: “I praise Saka for his intelligence but that penalty is one of his dumbest decisions. Could have killed the tie.”
“2 years ago today, Saka missed a penalty away at West Ham. History just repeated itself,” another said.
Others had plenty of sympathy though, adding: “Bukayo Saka you’re still and always will be the man.”
While another said: “Still love you Saka but this was not the time.”
It’s a real mixture of sympathy and frustration as a key moment was passed up by Arsenal in the context of the tie.
Bukayo Saka’s penalty record
Throughout his career, Bukayo Saka has taken plenty of penalties as he continues to step up and take responsibility.
The Arsenal star has missed some big ones in his young career so far, with the miss against Real Madrid being the third of his career.
Saka has scored 14 penalties in total, though, showing he is more than capable of finding the back of the net.
| Penalties scored | Penalties missed |
|---|---|
| 14 | 3 |
While the previous two penalty misses have been costly in the past, he will be hoping this one doesn’t end in the same way.
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