ARSENAL CONTINUE WITHOUT IMPRESSING
After extra time and penalties, Arsenal eventually progressed. The penalties were absolutely perfect from all players. Raya saved two penalties and probably no one is discussing Arteta’s choice of goalkeeper anymore. Many thought that Arsenal would dominate and overrun Porto, but it certainly didn’t happen. Despite that, the team is through and avoided going out against Portuguese opposition in the European Games for the second year in a row. Arsenal went out against Sporting in the Europa League last year, but this year they progress in the finer tournament. The club has new confidence, is playing entertaining football and is chasing the league title while also playing in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. This is an advancement that gives extra confidence which could be important in the title fight. A loss against Porto had led to bruised confidence in the league. The difficulty of the match compared to some of the team’s recent Premier League matches suggests that the level in Europe is very high and that the teams have the tools to face Arsenal in a better way than the teams in the league. Arsenal can continue to dream but at some point Arteta will have to assess how much energy should be expended in which tournament. Premier League or Champions League. Both? It can cost. Heartbreaking, of course, for Porto, who went out in the round of 16 against Inter last year by the smallest margin and are now going on penalties. Pepe’s effort deserves praise even if Porto eventually lose. Porto leave the tournament with their heads held high after over 200 minutes at the highest level against favorites Arsenal.
BARCA’S YOUTHS HISTORIC
Barca progressed and Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi were found in the starting eleven. A sixteen-year-old and a seventeen-year-old. Barca thus became the first team in Champions League history to start with two players under the age of 18 in a play-off match. Both delivered solidly. Lamine Yamal is the best 16-year-old I’ve seen in my lifetime and I’m not sure if there’s ever been a better 16-year-old at this level. Pau Cubarsi reminds a lot of Pique, there is a lot to learn in the defensive game but the passing game is already incredibly good. It will be interesting to see how far the youngsters go with Barca this year. Cubarsi became the best player on the pitch and it was well deserved. Despite their young age, Cubarsi and Yamal play like giants. I would say they carry Barca on their shoulders.
NAPOLI’S WC DREAM CRASHES
Osimhen wanted a penalty at 2-1. Lindström missed a great chance to equalise. Soon after, Barca made it 3-1, ending the game and Napoli’s Champions League adventure. It is not only the dream of the Champions League that is falling apart for Napoli, it is also the dream of the World Cup for club teams. With the exit, Napoli cannot overtake Juventus in the hunt for a place in FIFA’s new tournament which will be played in the USA in June 2025. The tournament is worth a lot of money and Napoli must now accept that they will not be there. A historically poor season from a champion team ends without trophies, with an exit in the Champions League round of 16 and with three different coaches. There will be serenades written about De Laurentiis’ summer after the historic scudetto in 2023. For anyone who needs tips on how not to deal with success, study Napoli’s season in particular.
MARTIN ØDEGAARDS SHOW
Arsenal put in a good effort overall but there was one player that stood out. Martin Odegaard was absolutely fantastic for Arsenal at the Emirates against Porto. The Norwegian played Trossard for the lead goal and was responsible for one brilliant action after another. At the end of regular time, it was just a matter of giving the ball to Ödegaard, who managed to get the ball into the penalty area and create dangers when he had the ball. In the away match, the Norwegian was barely involved in the last third, it showed. He also put his penalty safely and overall stood for a performance from the top shelf.
ECONOMICLY IMPORTANT BARCA VICTORY
Barca has sold off future revenue and has a financial situation that is precarious. Then the Champions League money is vital. Getting through to the quarter-finals was something Barca had planned for in their budget and now the goal has been achieved. It doesn’t solve all of Barca’s financial problems, but it provides a ring in the coffers that is definitely needed. The quarter-final is worth around €15 million and if Barca get a favorable draw they could even go further in the tournament.
2024-03-12 23:06:00
#FALLAHI #Ødegaard #absolutely #fantastic #Football #channel
