Arsenal overcame Porto in a tense last-16 clash, with David Raya’s crucial saves in the penalty shootout sealing their victory.
Leandro Trossard’s equalizer added to the drama as Arsenal banished their past Champions League vulnerabilities.
Wild scenes of celebration erupted around the stadium when David Raya dived to his left to save Porto’s fourth penalty from Galeno and ensure that Arsenal, who had scored each of their first four kicks, could not be caught. Raya had also saved from Wendell earlier in the shoot-out.
Arsenal’s last seven appearances in the competition had ended in the round of 16 but not this time. It was a far from convincing performance but after the tie had finished level at 1-1, Mikel Arteta’s side held their nerve at the last and they now join their Premier League title rivals Manchester City, and Real Madrid, Barcelona and the rest in the last eight.
The atmosphere at the Emirates was thick with anticipation and nostalgia on a gloomy evening in north London. Memories of past triumphs for FC Porto and past disappointments for Arsenal filled the air as both teams sought redemption and glory. Two decades ago, Porto faced a similar challenge at Old Trafford in the last 16, defending a one-goal lead, mirroring the situation at the Emirates.
