Riquelme takes comfort in solitude

Juan Román Riquelme left El Madrigal in silence after missing the penalty that could have helped put Villarreal CF in the UEFA Champions League final.

Quiet exit
The Argentinian international was denied by the diving Arsenal FC goalkeeper Jens Lehmann as last night's semi-final second leg moved into added time. It meant the Spanish surprise package failed to cancel out the English side's 1-0 lead from the first leg at Highbury and their European adventure was over. The miss devastated the 27-year-old and he left the stadium by the back entrance after the game.

Sunken star
Coach Manuel Pellegrini understood Riquelme's decision to seek solitude, as did Spanish newspaper Sport, who wrote that "he was more sunk than the Yellow Submarine. After being fundamental to Villarreal's success, his miss from the spot cost them a place in their first UEFA Champions League final."
Members of the press paid tribute to the fallen hero giving him a generous ovation as he shuffled out of the stadium. Riquelme may yet get his revenge on Lehmann should Argentina meet Germany in the finals of this summer's FIFA World Cup.