Arsenal defeated Porto 1-0 (1-1 on aggregate. Arsenal emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, with David Raya playing a key role in their win.
The players of Arsenal were in jubilant celebration as David Raya emerged as the hero, making a match-winning save from the fourth penalty taken by Galeno of FC Porto in the penalty shoot-out during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg. Raya’s heroics saw Arsenal progress into the last eight of the Champions League for the first time in 14 years, concluding an enthralling tie.
Porto proved to be formidable opponents, with Leandro Trossard’s goal being the only one conceded by Arsenal in 210 minutes of football. The goal was a thing of beauty, initiated by Martin Odegaard and finished with finesse, just as Porto appeared to be heading into half-time with the advantage. Despite their defensive resilience, Porto attacked with vigor, limiting Arsenal’s chances in the second half. Odegaard did manage to find the back of the net with a delicate finish, but VAR ruled it out due to Kai Havertz’s foul on Pepe.
Arsenal struggled to gain momentum thereafter, leading to a scrappy affair in extra time. Mikel Arteta introduced attacking players in an attempt to avoid defeat. However, it was during the penalty shoot-out that Arsenal truly shone. Odegaard, Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice all dispatched their penalties with confidence, while Raya made crucial saves from Wendell and Galeno.
With their place in the last eight secured, Arsenal, who are already at the top of the Premier League, are starting to dream about how far they can go in the competition.
One talking point that arises from this match is whether Arsenal can find their best form in the biggest games. While they managed to come through this tie, they did not perform well against a team they were expected to beat comfortably. If they face tougher opponents in the next round, performances like these will not be sufficient. However, the experience of winning in such a manner gives Arteta’s Arsenal a better chance of rising to the occasion in the future.
The standout player of the match was David Raya. While Martin Odegaard was exceptional, Raya’s heroics in saving two penalties from the opposition were crucial in securing Arsenal’s victory.
Player ratings:
Arsenal: Raya 9, White 6, Gabriel 6, Saliba 6, Kiwior 7, Jorgiho 6, Rice 7, Odegaard 8, Saka 5, Havertz 5, Trossard 6. Subs: Jesus 6, Nketiah 6, Zinchenko 6.
Porto: Diogo Costa 6, Joao Mario 7, Pepe 8, Otavio 8, Wendell 8, Varela 7, Nico Gonzalez 7, Pepe 7, Conceicao 6, Evanilson 7, Galeno 6. Subs: Sanchez 6, Taremi 6, Grujic 6, Eustaquio 6, Borges 6.
Key moment:
4′ – SAKA DRIVES TOWARDS THE PORTO BOX
But Wendell nails him with a glorious, crunching tackle. Arsenal, though, work it wide to Trossard, he digs out a cross from the left, and White’s up! But his header, ball sent back whence it came, plops on to the roof of the net.
16′ – ARSENAL ARE COMING NOW
Trossard crossing very nicely from the left.. and Saka steals in front of his man! But looking to glance it around the corner, he can’t contort his swede as he needs to, sending the ball in the other direction.
18′ – SALIBA OPTS TO HEAD A LONG BALL WHEN HE CAN JUST LEAVE IT
Raya could collect. But instead, Evanilson does, attracts three men to him.. and shovels a low shot from the edge.. only narrowly wide of the far post!
30′ – NOW HERE COME ARSENAL!
Saka finds White down the right, he stands up a delicious cross to the far post where Havertz lurks.. and WHAT IS THAT?! Out of absolutely nowhere, Pepe hurls himself backwards, heads out from under the bar, clatters the post so loudly you hear it, and saves a certain goal! Astounding behavior!
41′ – GOAL!!! ARSENAL (1) 1-0 (1) PORTO (TROSSARD)
Arsenal possesses numerous players who can cause damage, but the man who orchestrates their play is Martin Odegaard. He played a pivotal role in this goal, collecting a loose ball, finding Trossard, receiving a return pass, and maintaining possession beautifully. In the time it takes Trossard to position himself, Odegaard unbalances Joao Mario with a clipped pass, almost on one leg. Trossard, played onside by Pepe, calmly opens his body and foot, slotting the ball into the far corner. It is a fantastic display of teamwork.
67′ – GOAL!!! ARSENAL (2) 2-1 (1) PORTO (ODEGAARD)
Martin Odegaard is a phenomenal footballer. A hopeful ball over the top causes Pepe to struggle under pressure from Havertz, and his goalkeeper hesitates to come out. When all three collide, the ball falls to Odegaard on the edge of the box, and he expertly chips it over them, knowing he must act quickly. However, did Havertz foul Pepe?
68′ – NO GOAL!
Havertz clearly pulled Pepe, and the footage leaves no room for doubt. Arteta is booked for arguing, but the decision is conclusive.
83′ – ODEGAARD COAXES A BALL OVER THE TOP
It comes back to him, and he nutmegs Conceicao; of course he does. The ball then enters the box, leading to a scramble. Saka manages to bundle the ball through, and Jesus is there! On the half-turn, he takes a snap-shot, which is on target.. but it clips Diogo Costa’s undercarriage and bounces to safety! That is the first near-miss in a while.