In Portugal, Arsenal fell 1-0 to Porto in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League. But “The Gunners” managed to recover from the deficit in the return at home.
A few minutes before the break, Martin Ødegaard combined with Leandro Trossard and the Norwegian finally found the Belgian with a precise cross. When the situation arose, Trossard put in 1-0 and 1-1 in the doubleheader.
– It is perfect timing and hardness from Ødegaard in the pass. Trossard does the rest really well, said TV4’s expert commentator Jens Fjellström in the broadcast.
– It’s a phenomenal assist. Not only for the pass, but also for the way he turns before, small touches, the ball is stuck to his feet. To find that very difficult pass, it is difficult to execute that quickly, said fellow expert Albin Ekdal.
Trossard’s goal was the only one in the first act.
Arsenal started the second half brightly and pressed for another goal.
20 minutes into the second half, the home team also had a ball in the net. Kai Havertz and Pepe got into a running duel that ended with them colliding with goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The ball was free and Ødegaard thought he chipped in 2-0. But the goal was ruled out as referee Clément Turpin deemed a foul committed, probably by Kai Havertz, in connection with the collision. Mikel Arteta was anything but satisfied with the verdict and asked Turpin to check the VAR screen. Instead, the Spaniard received a warning for protesting.
Later, Porto coach Sérgio Conceição also protested against a decision and received a yellow card.
In the closing stages, Arsenal had bids for a 2-0 goal. But such a thing never came. The round of 16 went to extra time.
– It’s an impressive defensive effort from Porto. They have conceded a goal in 180 minutes against perhaps one of the most in-form teams in the world. They will probably have to defend for another 30 minutes, Ekdal said.
Arsenal dominated the game in the first quarter of extra time, but without receiving a reward. The Round of 16 went to penalties and Arsenal were ultimately better there, largely because of goalkeeper David Raya who saved two penalty kicks.
– It’s a nice feeling, especially for me. It is the first time in the Champions League and it is the first time in the quarter-finals for the club in many years. I think we played a good match, we dominated and created chances, says Raya and continues:
– I am overjoyed to have saved two penalties in the Champions League and that we are going through to the quarter-finals.
Punishment:
1. Martin Ødegaard – goal
2. Pepê – mål
3. Kai Havertz – goal
4. Wendell – miss
5. Bukayo Saka – goal
6. Marko Grujic – goal
7. Declan Rice – Goal
8. Galeno – miss
This is the first time Arsenal have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 14 years. The quarter-finals will be drawn on Friday at 12.00.
Startelvor:
Arsenal: Raya – White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Kiwior – Ødegaard, Jorginho, Rice – Saka, Havertz, Trossard.
Porto: Diogo Costa – Joao Mario, Pepe, Otavio, Wendell – Nico Gonzalez, Varela – Francisco Conceicao, Pepê, Galeno – Evanilson.
You watch all matches from the Champions League TV4 Play.
