Galeno’s late goal secures a victory for the home team over the Gunners in the UEFA Champions League.

Galeno of FC Porto sent the home crowd into a frenzy as he scored the first and only goal of the match in stoppage time, securing a 1-0 victory for his team over a lackluster Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie at the Estadio do Dragao.

Despite seeing little of the ball in the early stages, FC Porto had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 21st minute when Galeno volleyed against the post, only to fire the rebound wide from close range. Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances, but came close through William Saliba’s header from Bukayo Saka’s corner.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Declan Rice producing a brilliant block to deny Evanilson and Gabriel missing a last-gasp header. It seemed like both sides would settle for a draw, but Galeno had other ideas. In the 94th minute, he curled in a magnificent 25-yard effort to give FC Porto the advantage going into the second leg.

Arsenal will now shift their focus to the Premier League, as they face Newcastle at home on Saturday. The second leg of this tie will take place at the Emirates Stadium on March 12.

The Gunners will have work to do to overcome this setback, as their five-match winning run came to an abrupt end. Despite their dominance and control, Arsenal surprisingly lacked the cutting edge needed to break down Porto’s resilient defense. However, they can take solace in the fact that they have previously overcome FC Porto in the Last 16 of the Champions League, back in 2010.

Although Porto has never been defeated by Arsenal away from home, the Portuguese side has also failed to secure a victory in North London. With a packed Emirates crowd behind them, Arsenal will remain optimistic about their chances of turning the tie around.

The standout performer of the match was Galeno from FC Porto. Despite missing a clear chance earlier in the game, the Brazilian forward redeemed himself with a moment of sheer magic to score the winning goal.

Player Ratings:
FC Porto:
– Diogo Costa 7
– Mario 8
– Otavia 8
– Pepe 8
– Wendell 8
– Nico Gonzalez 7
– Varela 8
– Conceicao 8
– Aquino 8
– Galeno 8*
– Evanilson 7

Arsenal:
– Raya 6
– White 7
– Saliba 7
– Gabriel 7
– Kiwior 7
– Rice 8
– Odegaard 7
– Havertz 6
– Saka 7
– Trossard 6
– Martinelli 6

Match Highlights:
– 21′ – FC Porto had a great chance as Galeno’s shot hit the post and he missed the rebound.
– 35′ – Arsenal came close with Saliba’s header from Saka’s corner.
– 68′ – Rice made a brilliant block to deny Evanilson’s shot after a mesmerizing run from Aquino.
– 90+2′ – Gabriel missed a golden opportunity to win the game as he headed Rice’s free kick off target.
– 90+4′ – GOAL! Galeno scored a sublime curling winner from 25 yards, securing the victory for FC Porto.