DAVID RAYA was the hero as Arsenal reached the last eight of the Champions League via a penalty shootout.
In a nervy game in north London, in which the Gunners trailed 1-0 after the first leg, Leandro Trossard’s superbly worked goal brought them back on level terms.
Arsenal dominated possession and chances during the 90 minutes and thought they had done enough to earn a victory but Martin Odegaard’s goal was controversially ruled out for a foul by Kai Havertz in the build up.
The game went into extra-time but neither side seemed willing to commit men forward – before the game headed to a shootout.
David Raya, the villain in the first leg, was the hero as he made two brilliant save down to his left – to deny Wendell and Galeno – with all the Arsenal takers hit the target to progress into the last eight.
The Gunners are now into the Champions League draw later this week.
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Arteta’s side show they are no chokers
It is not the way they would have wanted it, but winning this tie on penalties will give them confidence for the rest of the competition.
They have dug out a result here today, in the most testing of ways, which will give them the mental nerve for such situations later on.
Now they can relax, wait for the draw for the quarter-finals and enjoy a break before their next Premier League game.
It is all set up for an exciting end of the season at The Emirates.
Credit: Getty Gunners prove their worth in trophy
Many wondered if Arsenal can go on to challenge for Europe’s most prestigious tournament.
They have knocked out some European heavyweights this evening.
Confidence is high in North London, they are looking to challenge for two trophies between now and the end of the season.
Credit: Getty Credit: Reuters Arsenal 1-0 Porto (agg: 1-1) 4-2 on penalties
Mikel Arteta’s side are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Some great penalties from The Gunners and David Raya saving two of the opposition’s penaties also.
It was a tough test in North London but Arsenal have passed with flying colours.
Arsenal beat Porto 4-2 on penalties
Penalty missed – Galeno (Porto) 4-2
Goal – Declan Rice (Arsenal) 4-2
Goal – Marko Grujic (Porto) 3-2
Goal – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) 3-1
Peanlty missed – Wendell (Porto) 2-1
Goal – Kai Havertz (Arsenal) 2-1
Goal – Pepe (Porto) 1-1
Goal – Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) 1-0
Penalty shootout
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
The referee brings the game to a close.
Nothing to separate these two teams over the two legs.
We are going to need a penalty-shootout to decide this one.
Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
118. Even the fans around the ground have fallen silent.
You just hope your team can make it to penalties now.
One slight mistake can be so costly at this stage of the game.
Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
116. Galeno tries his luck from some distance.
Fortuntely, it deflects off Gabriel and makes for an easier save for Raya in the Arsenal goal.
Fingernails are being bitten down all around the ground.
Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
114. Arsenal are passing the ball around, still not seeming like there is any urgency in their play.
Borges is fouled out wide by Saliba and the referee awards a free kick.
Pepe is telling the referee that he has already been booked.
Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
112. Surely a goal now wins this tie.
You feel there would not be enough time for an equaliser.
Neither side wants to lose this one now.
Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
110. Big chance for The Gunners.
Some neat interplay between Saka and Odegaard.
The winger has a sight of goal and looks to shoot but Otavio does brilliantly to get in the block.
Credit: EPA Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
108. Porto have a chance to cross it but it is struck straight at the Arsenal defender.
Zinchenko gives away an unnecessary corner.
Raya comes to claim it at the back post.
Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
106. Neither side had a shot at goal in the first half.
Jesus goes down looking for a foul but again the referee is not having it at all.
Arsenal come forward looking to win this game.
Kick-off: Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
We are back underway at The Emirates.
Now is a time to make a name for yourself.
Porto get the second half of extra-time started.
HT: Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
The referee brings the half to a close.
Not too much in terms of goalmouth action there.
Both sides have fifteen minutes to win this game.
Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
105. Arsenal look poised to bring some more fresh faces on.
Zinchenko an Nketiah are ready to come on.
We are going to have one additional minute.
Arsenal 1-0 Porto (ET)
103. Porto seem to be growing into this game more.
They are still trying to get forward to find that elusive goal.
Arsenal are struggling to get it out of their own half right now.
Credit: Reuters
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
