Arsenal clinched their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night, triumphing over Porto in a penalty shootout at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite a tough start to the match for Arsenal, as they sought to breach Porto’s solid defense and overturn a 1-0 deficit, Leandro Trossard’s splendid strike just before halftime handed the Gunners the lead and leveled the tie on aggregate.
As neither side managed to find a decisive goal in the second half or extra time, the game ultimately headed to penalties. In the end, David Raya emerged as the hero in North London, saving two spot-kicks to propel Arsenal into the final eight.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
The Match’s Progression:
Arsenal recognized the necessity of being clinical against a defensively resilient Porto side at the Emirates Stadium. It took the hosts 12 minutes to trouble Diogo Costa, with Bukayo Saka creating space down the right before unleashing a low drive.
Evanilson then threatened with a shot narrowly wide of Raya’s post, following some loose play from William Saliba. Shortly afterward, the Brazilian forced a save from Raya from inside the area as Porto gained confidence.
Despite some tense moments for Mikel Arteta’s side in the first half, they crucially found the breakthrough five minutes before halftime. Martin Odegaard orchestrated the move with an exquisite touch and pass, allowing Trossard to calmly slot the ball past Pepe and into the far corner.
Odegaard appeared to double Arsenal’s lead with 25 minutes remaining, but the goal was disallowed by referee Clement Turpin due to Kai Havertz’s foul on Pepe in the buildup.
Francisco Conceicao nearly equalized soon after, but his powerful effort was repelled by Raya.
Gabriel Jesus entered the fray as Arteta’s side pressed for a second goal, with the forward almost scoring with his first touch. However, Costa denied his shot, and Odegaard later fired wide from the edge of the area.
With Arsenal unable to extend their lead, the match headed into extra time, where both teams struggled to create clear chances. Consequently, the outcome was decided by a penalty shootout.
Raya, who had been impeccable throughout the 120 minutes, continued his excellent form into the shootout, denying Wendell and Galeno to secure Arsenal’s place in the Champions League quarter-finals.