The Arsenal vs Porto tie headed into penalty shootouts where heroics from goalkeeper David Raya secured Arsenal their first final eight spot in the UEFA Champions League since 2010.
Arsenal vs Porto Penalty Shootout: Gunners ride into quarterfinals on the back of Raya’s heroics
After losing the first leg 1-0 in Portugal to Porto, the Gunners were determined to emerge victorious at home. A brilliant first half goal from Leandro Trossard helped Arsenal tie the aggregate score at 1-1 and take a 1-0 lead in the game. Encouraged by the lead at half-time, Arsenal kept pushing Porto behind. Despite creating several chances, Arsenal failed to score another goal. More of the same followed in extra time as the two sides couldn’t break the 1-1 aggregate draw. At the end, Arsenal vs Porto penalty shootouts decided the tie.
Captain Martin Odegaard stepped up first for Arsenal and buried his penalty comfortably in the back of the Porto goal. Porto’s midfielder Pepe stepped up to take the first penalty for Porto and he succeeded as well. With the Arsenal vs Porto penalty shootout score tied at 1-1, Kai Havertz took the second penalty for Arsenal and expertly scored. While Porto looked confident of scoring their second as well, David Raya seemed to have different plans.
Left back Wendell came forward to take the penalty and took a sizzling shot, but Raya went the right way and managed to deflect the ball onto the pole to save the penalty. For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice stepped up next and both scored their respective penalties while ex-Liverpool man Grujic scored his for Porto. However, if Porto were to win it was important for them to score their remaining penalties.
Unfortunately for the Portuguese side, David Raya was in brilliant form and denied Porto’s Wenderson Galeno from the spot. The save sealed the Arsenal vs Porto penalty shootout with the Gunners emerging victorious on the back of David Raya. Pure ecstasy!
What does the win signify for Arsenal?
The Gunners and their fans have struggled a lot over the last decade. After finally qualifying for the Champions League, the Gunners seem determined to make it all the way. The win for Arsenal means that they entered the final eight of the UCL for the first time since 2010. A historic night for the Gunners to say the least.
Arsenal under Mikel Arteta are also on the cusp of winning the English Premier League for the first time since 2004. While they will face stiff competition from Man City and Liverpool in the league and in the UCL from European giants, the campaign will definitely boost the hopes of the Gunners for the future!
Also Read: David Raya’s heroics against Porto earns him POTM award