Former footballer Rafael van der Vaart lashed out at Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka after his missed penalty against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final. Saka attempted a chipped effort from the spot in the first half at the Bernabeu, but the shot was saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Despite the failed attempt, Saka played a crucial role in the game, helping Arsenal to a significant 2-1 victory that secured their place in the semi-finals.
The penalty miss came after Raul Asencio fouled Mikel Merino in the box, giving Arsenal a golden opportunity to take the lead. Saka stepped up confidently but opted for a delicate chip, which Courtois comfortably stopped. Van der Vaart, appearing as a pundit on Dutch television, took serious offense at the technique used, describing Saka’s attempt as arrogant and self-indulgent.
During his appearance on Ziggo Sport, Van der Vaart criticized Saka for what he believed was an inflated sense of self-worth. He accused the young England international of trying to “steal the show” rather than making a straightforward attempt, calling it a display of overconfidence. He further remarked that Saka is merely an average player who needs to consistently perform at his best, rather than attempting flashy moves.
Van der Vaart’s comments took a sharper turn as he labeled the penalty attempt a “disgrace.” He compared Saka unfavorably to Lionel Messi, stating that while such a chip might be excused from someone of Messi’s caliber, Saka had not yet earned that level of creative license. His tone suggested frustration rather than analysis, and the criticism appeared more personal than objective.
Despite the harsh words, Saka responded in the best way possible—on the pitch. The young winger showed remarkable composure in the second half, scoring a brilliant goal by chipping Courtois again, this time in open play, effectively silencing critics and the home crowd. That goal extended Arsenal’s aggregate lead to 4-0 and highlighted Saka’s resilience and talent under pressure.
Gabriel Martinelli added a late winner, completing a memorable night for Arsenal, who made it to the Champions League semi-finals for the third time in their history. It marked a major milestone for the club, which hadn’t reached this stage of the competition in 16 years. The win was seen as a statement of intent by Mikel Arteta’s side on the European stage.
After the match, Saka spoke with pride about the team’s performance, emphasizing that beating a team like Real Madrid both home and away was a significant achievement. He stated that the victory sent a strong message to the rest of Europe about Arsenal’s quality and ambition. His comments reflected a sense of unity and confidence growing within the squad.
Manager Mikel Arteta also praised Saka’s mental fortitude, highlighting how the player bounced back from the missed penalty with maturity beyond his years. Arteta acknowledged the moment could have shifted momentum to Madrid, but credited Saka for showing immense character and continuing to play with courage and creativity in one of football’s most intimidating arenas.
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