- A 94th minute winner from Galeno saw Porto edge Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie
- The Gunners are considered among the favourites to win this season’s UEFA Champions League but their performance last night says otherwise
Mikel Arteta’s side were stunned by Porto on Wednesday night during the Porto vs Arsenal Champions League fixture.
A 94th minute winner from Galeno saw Porto edge the Gunners after both sides had missed glorious chances to assert themselves in the first leg of their last-16 tie. Arsenal were far from their best at Porto and the defeats ends their five-match winning streak, which included thumping of Liverpool, West Ham and Burnley in 2024.
Arteta’s men failed to register a shot on target despite controlling the game. Their best opportunities fell to William Saliba and Kai Havertz who headed wide from set pieces.
Martin Odegaard (right) reacts next to Brazilian Wenderson Galeno during the Porto vs Arsenal UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg clash. Photo/ Le Monde.
The second leg of the Champions League tie between the two sides will take place on 12 March at Emirates Stadium where the Gunners will have home advantage. However, they will need to do more than just dominating possession if they are to advance to the next stage.
Arsenal will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10 when they beat Porto 6-2 on aggregate. The Gunners are considered among the favourites to win this season’s UEFA Champions League but their performance last night says otherwise.
Porto Vs Arsenal
Facing Porto, Mikel Arteta named an unchanged Arsenal line-up for a third consecutive game, having won their last two games by an aggregate of 11-0. However, competing in the Champions League knockout since 2017, Arsenal’s young squad looked nervous facing an opponent who has been a household name in this stage of the competition.
The best chance of the opening period fell to eventual match winner Galeno, who failed to convert from close range. Francisco Conceicao did brilliantly down the right before crossing the ball to Galeno, whose effort somehow struck the inside of the post from six yards out. He then skewed the rebound wide of the upright.
Nico Gonzalez also tried his luck in the first 45 but his shot went over the bar before Evanilson tasted Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya from inside the box.
Arsenal’s opportunities were from Bukayo Saka’s well taken corners, which had no final products. William Saliba and Kai Havertz nodded the deliveries by the 22-year-old off-target.
The Gunners’ best chance in the second half fell to Leandro Trossard, who blasted over after being found unmarked via Declan Rice’s corner. However, the referee blew for a foul in the penalty area, which means Trossard’s effort would have been ruled out if it went in.
Porto almost took the lead in the 66th minute after midfielder Pepe beat Havertz down the right and squared the ball to Evanilson, whose effort was brilliantly deflected over the bar.
It seemed both sides were getting settled for a draw, except when Gabriel headed over a good chance from a free-kick. But in the end, it was Porto who triumphed when Galeno curled a sensational strike from 20 yards deep in stoppage time.
Galeno scored the only goal of the match as Porto beat Arsenal 1-0. Photo/ Football365.
The defeat by Arsenal ensured a record-extending tenth loss in Champions League round of 16. The Gunners didn’t just play the same football they have been playing since the winter break.
“We have to manage it much better. When you cannot win, the way we handled the ball on three occasions in deep areas is not good enough. But it’s half-time, if you want to get to the quarter-finals, you have to beat your opponent. And that’s what we have to do at the Emirates now.” Mikel Arteta told reporters after the Porto vs Arsenal game, as per Sky Sports.
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