Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has delivered an emotional warning to David Raya ahead of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League final, urging the Spanish goalkeeper not to repeat the mistake that haunted his own career in the 2006 final against Barcelona.
Speaking before Arsenal’s showdown with Paris Saint-Germain, Lehmann told Raya: “Please, do us a favour and play 90 minutes… Do not get sent off!”
The former Germany international also admitted he still carries regret over Arsenal’s defeat to Barcelona in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final in Paris, a match remembered for his early dismissal after fouling Samuel Eto’o outside the penalty area.
“If you win the Champions League, you are giving something back to the fans which we couldn’t in the past,” Lehmann added.
“I didn’t deliver in the 2006 final because I got sent off.”
Lehmann’s red card remains one of the defining moments in Arsenal’s European history. The German goalkeeper was sent off after just 18 minutes as Arsenal eventually lost 2-1 despite taking the lead through Sol Campbell. Barcelona later completed a comeback with goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti to secure the trophy.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper had been instrumental in the club’s run to the final, producing several decisive performances during the campaign, including a crucial penalty save from Juan Román Riquelme in the semi-final against Villarreal.
Lehmann later revealed the emotional pain he experienced after being dismissed in the final, describing how he sat in the stands in tears as Arsenal’s dream slipped away.
“There is no apt description nor any solace for this moment,” Lehmann wrote in his autobiography while reflecting on the defeat.
The sending-off itself remained controversial for years. Referee Terje Hauge later admitted he may have acted too quickly after Barcelona had already put the ball into the net following the foul on Eto’o.
Now, nearly two decades later, Lehmann hopes Raya can help Arsenal finally achieve what his own generation could not — lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Raya has emerged as one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers under Mikel Arteta this season, playing a key role in the club’s return to Europe’s biggest stage. Supporters and former players now believe this current Arsenal side has a genuine opportunity to end the club’s long wait for continental glory.
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