Arsenal advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010 by triumphing over Porto in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout at the Emirates Stadium.
In the last-16 second leg, Arsenal entered trailing 1-0, but managed to equalize when Leandro Trossard netted four minutes before halftime, courtesy of Martin Odegaard’s excellent setup.
Despite a tense and messy match, neither team could secure a victory in regular or extra time. Ultimately, Arsenal maintained composure, progressing to the quarter-finals.
Contributions from Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice saw Arsenal through, while David Raya’s saves from Wendell and Galeno secured the win for Mikel Arteta’s squad, prompting jubilant celebrations.
Arsenal pass Porto test
Arsenal’s only deficit stemmed from Galeno’s late goal in the initial match in Portugal, setting the stage for a demanding examination of their resilience, composure, and patience against Sergio Conceicao’s seasoned Porto side.
Porto, anchored defensively by the age-defying Pepe, thwarted Arsenal’s typical fluidity, with Trossard’s goal, crafted through Odegaard’s exquisite pass and footwork, standing as a rare crack in the visitors’ defense.
While Arsenal pressed, Porto remained menacing, with Raya denying Evanilson and Francisco Conceicao.
Odegaard seemed to calm Arsenal’s nerves with a second-half strike that would have sealed their victory, but it was disallowed due to a perceived foul by Havertz on Pepe.
Tensions flared, evident even in the technical area, as Porto’s coach Conceicao displayed agitation throughout the match. The frustration escalated upon Raya’s decisive save in the frenzied finale.
At the culmination of a tense evening, Arsenal celebrated, with Arteta finally breaking his European home curse after enduring five Europa League ties at Emirates Stadium without a win.
This triumph also signifies a mental breakthrough for the Gunners, who had previously stumbled at the last-16 stage in their last seven Champions League appearances.
Now, having advanced to the quarter-finals, Arsenal may perceive this grueling experience as invaluable in propelling them deeper into the tournament.
Gunners set up dream season finale
Arsenal have enjoyed an ideal few days, breaking through to the last eight of Europe’s premier competition while simultaneously claiming the top spot in the Premier League.
Their thrilling victory against Brentford, coupled with a draw between their nearest rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City, at Anfield on Sunday, has propelled them to the league summit on goal difference.
This dual success provides Arsenal with a sense of momentum as they navigate the final stretch of the season, competing on both domestic and European fronts.
Their upcoming fixture, a monumental clash against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on March 31st, offers a significant challenge. However, with time to pause and regroup, Arteta can now harness this newfound strength to prepare his team effectively.