Rio Ferdinand Questions Arsenal’s Saka Over ‘Cheeky’ Panenka Penalty Saved by Courtois

Bukayo Saka’s Panenka Penalty Blunder Draws Criticism in Arsenal’s Champions League Clash
(Images: Saka steps up for the penalty; Courtois makes the save; VAR review sparks debate)

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka faced heavy criticism from Rio Ferdinand and pundits after a failed Panenka penalty during their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid. The Gunners, leading 3-0 on aggregate, had a golden chance to extend their lead when Saka stepped up for a spot-kick. Instead of a powerful strike, the England international attempted a delicate chip, which Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois easily saved.

Pundits Question Decision
(Image: Ferdinand reacts to the miss; Keown analyzes the moment)
Ferdinand called the decision “naive,” stating, “What a moment to play the cheeky role. You talk about silencing the crowd—this was the opportunity.” Fellow analyst Martin Keown echoed the sentiment, noting Saka “got it completely wrong,” while Steve McManaman added the attempt was a “huge chance” that handed Courtois an easy save. Ally McCoist praised the Belgian keeper’s reflexes but admitted the weak penalty made his job easier.

Saka, usually reliable from the spot with 12 successful penalties for Arsenal, had not missed since April 2022. However, the high-pressure environment of the Bernabéu seemed to rattle him.

VAR Controversy Mars Match
(Image: Referee reviews incident; Odegaard hands Saka the ball)
The penalty itself was contentious, awarded after a delayed VAR check for a tug on Mikel Merino. Critics argued the foul was soft, with McManaman calling Merino’s actions “naive.” Earlier, Martin Ødegaard briefly held the ball, hinting he might take the kick, but deferred to Saka—Arsenal’s designated taker.

Real Madrid later had a penalty overturned by VAR when Kylian Mbappé went down under Declan Rice’s challenge. Initially, a red card and spot-kick were awarded, but replays showed minimal contact, sparing Rice a suspension and Arsenal further drama.

Saka Redeems Himself—Briefly
(Image: Saka scores later in the match)
The winger partially atoned with a clever chip over Courtois in open play, putting Arsenal 4-1 ahead. Yet Vinícius Júnior equalized moments later, leaving the tie poised at 4-4. Despite the miss, Saka’s overall contribution—four goals and two assists in six Champions League games this season—highlighted his importance to Arsenal’s campaign.

Conclusion
While the Panenka gamble backfired, Saka’s resilience shone through. The match underscored the fine margins in elite football, where a moment of audacity can define legacies—or invite scrutiny. For now, Arsenal’s European dreams hang in the balance, with pundits and fans alike dissecting a night of high drama and costly risks.

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