Arsenal have broken their Champions League last-16 curse, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster quarter-final.
The Gunners were trailing 1-0 going into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium but managed to level the score through Leandro Trossard’s goal.
The match went to a tense penalty shootout, which Arsenal won 4-2 thanks to David Raya’s two crucial saves.
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David Raya’s saves against Wendell and Galeno secured the victory for Mikel Arteta’s team with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka all scoring in the penalty shootout.
Read Also: Arsenal progress to quarterfinals via penalty shootout win over Porto
This victory marked Arsenal’s first advancement to the Champions League quarterfinals since 2010, breaking a long-standing curse.
Despite trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Leandro Trossard’s goal, assisted by Odegaard, leveled the score before halftime.
The match remained fiercely competitive throughout, with neither team able to secure a victory in regular or extra time.
Arsenal’s resilience was tested by Porto’s organized defense and threats on goal, but they ultimately emerged victorious, passing a significant test of perseverance and character.
With nearly three weeks until their next fixture, Arsenal will now focus on the draw for the quarter-finals.
The draw will also determine the ‘home’ team for the Wembley semi-final, allowing Arsenal to begin plotting their path to glory.
Who could Arsenal potentially face in the quarter-finals?
Without any seeding or country protection, the Gunners could find themselves matched up against Manchester City.
The defending European champions have already secured their spot in the last eight after defeating Copenhagen.
Despite never meeting in European competition before, there’s a possibility of a showdown between these two Premier League rivals.
Pep Guardiola, however, has a track record of struggles against fellow English teams, having been eliminated from the Champions League by Liverpool and Tottenham since his tenure at the Etihad Stadium, as well as losing the 2021 final to Chelsea.
Alternatively, a rematch with PSV, whom Arsenal encountered in Group B, could be in the cards if the Dutch side prevails over Borussia Dortmund.
Former last-16 rivals Bayern Munich and Barcelona are potential opponents for Arsenal, with Harry Kane and his team already securing a spot in the quarter-finals.
Real Madrid, 14-time winners, are also in the mix alongside Paris Saint-Germain, while Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan are all available as well.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Friday, with Arsenal discovering their opponents. The event will commence at 11 am UK time, or 12 pm local time, at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.
