Arsenal beat Porto in the shootout to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Arsenal beat Porto in a penalty shootout after an overnight match at the Emirates Stadium to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
The Gunners trailed 1-0 in the second leg of the round of 16, but were level when Leandro Trossar put them ahead four minutes before the game with a smooth finish following a superb performance by captain Martin 외degaard.
A sloppy and tricky encounter failed to yield a winner after extra time, and it was Arsenal who mustered up their courage to advance to the quarterfinals.
Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were all targeted by Arsenal as David Raya sealed victory for Mikel Arteta amid wild celebration scenes as he stopped from Wendell and Galeno.
Arsenal pass Porto Test (안전놀이터)
Arsenal trailed Galeno’s last goal in Portugal’s first game, but it quickly became clear they had to go through a rigorous test of character, temperament and patience against Sergio Conceicao’s seasoned and seasoned side.
Porto, led and organised defensively by Pepe, 41, never allowed Arsenal to play as fluently as usual, and Trossar’s goal, made through brilliant footwork and Odegaard’s precise pass, became a rare moment of weakness for the visiting team. ‘Defence.
Arsenal investigated, but Porto still posed a threat and Raya defended well from Evanilson and Francisco Conceicao.
Oedegaard thought he had stabilized Arsenal’s nerves and sent them through a second-half strike without extra time. However, Havertz was ruled out as he was deemed to have brought down Pepe.
Anxiety and anger even reached technical territory, with Porto boss Conceicao looking agitated and lively overall and threatening to boil with frustration after their fate was sealed off by Raya’s flying save in a chaotic conclusion.
At the end of a tense night, it was Arsenal who celebrated finally ending the European curse at home with Arteta, finishing five Europa League games in a draw at the Emirates Stadium.
It also felt like the Gunners had crossed a psychological barrier after losing in the round of 16 in each of their last seven Champions League appearances.
And Arsenal, who have made it to the quarterfinals, may feel like they have learned enough from this tough experience to go deeper into the tournament.
Gunners have prepared the finale of the season of dreams
Arsenal have had an ideal few days in the last eight European elite tournaments, breaking down that barrier while also taking the lead in the Premier League.
A dramatic win over Brentford and Sunday’s draw between the two closest challengers at Anfield means they top the league in goal difference.
It also means Arsenal have the momentum to move into the final stages of the season, fighting in both domestic and European tournaments.
Arsenal’s next match will be a huge one against Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on March 31, with Arteta now having time to take his breath and regroup his forces in a position of real strength.
Source: 토토사이트