In-form Arsenal have been steamrolling in the Premier League but went into the first round of 16 meeting with Porto in the Champions League on a 1-0 defeat in Portugal. On Tuesday evening it was time for the return meeting.
A red-hot Emirates was behind the red and white players in pursuit of a first-half lead. In the 41st minute, the goal came through Leandro Trossard – nicely played by the Norwegian Martin Ödegaard.
– With perfect timing and hardness, he lets the ball through, commented TV4 Play’s expert Jens Fjellström.
A tight affair ensued with veteran centre-back Pepe, 41, commanding his back line and making it difficult for Arsenal in their pursuit of an extension.
The match went all the way to penalties where Arsenal finally drew the longest straw. Goalkeeper David Raya became a big hero when he saved two of Porto’s penalties while Arsenal showed composure from eleven yards.
The victory means Arsenal are on course for their first Champions League quarter-final in 14 years. The quarter-finals are drawn on Friday.