Arsenal secured a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals after defeating Porto 4-2 in a penalty shootout, with David Raya saving two penalties. This victory marked Arsenal’s first appearance in the quarter-finals in 14 years.
Leandro Trossard’s goal in the first half leveled the aggregate score, but Arsenal struggled to create opportunities for a decisive victory. Nonetheless, all four of Arsenal’s penalty takers scored flawlessly, while Raya’s saves ensured their progression.
Mikel Arteta, previously experiencing four consecutive defeats at this stage as a player, successfully led Arsenal past the last-16 stage for the first time since 2010. The win also ended Arsenal’s seven-year Champions League absence.
š¬ “I think itās one of the biggest moments in my career, my whole career. I put it up there and hopefully thereās many more to come here.”
Raya reflects on a top night, both personally and collectively š
ā Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 13, 2024
Although the draw for the next round may pit them against rivals Manchester City, Arsenal is content to have overcome past disappointments under Arsene Wenger, including seven consecutive exits in the last-16 round.
This victory also marked the first time Arteta’s Arsenal won a knockout game at the Emirates Stadium. Despite a few tense moments, including bookings for Arteta and Porto’s manager Sergio Conceicao, Arsenal displayed patience and resilience throughout the match.
š„ Last night’s POTM…
š§¤ With two big penalty saves in the shootout!
āļø David Raya āļø pic.twitter.com/e3rhlaJxjq
ā Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 13, 2024
With the tie deadlocked heading into extra time, neither team could break the stalemate. The game eventually went to penalties, where Arsenal emerged victorious, exorcising past penalty shootout demons.
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, led by example, converting his penalty to set the tone. Despite Porto’s efforts, Raya’s heroics ensured Arsenal’s triumph, saving Wendell’s crucial spot-kick.
In the end, Arsenal’s flawless penalty execution and Raya’s saves propelled them into the quarter-finals, marking a significant achievement under Arteta’s leadership.
Nights like these š¤© pic.twitter.com/b35bx7SluQ
ā Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 13, 2024
š¬ “Iām so happy, Iām so proud, especially for the club. Itās been 14 years not achieving the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and thatās a long time.”
Mikel praises our players, coaches, fans and goalkeeper after success in the Champions League last 16 ā¤ļø
ā Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 13, 2024