Gunners finally break the curse of the last 16 as they continue on pins
DAVID RAYA was the hero for Arsenal as they broke their Champions League penalty curse against Porto.
The Gunners came into the match having to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg after Galeno’s last-gasp win in Portugal two weeks ago.
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Porto defended resiliently throughout the match and it took the silky skills of Martin Odegaard to break them down.
The skipper’s quick feet gave him space to play a perfect inch ball through to Leandro Trossard, who finished brilliantly.
Arsenal continued to pile on the pressure after the break and they thought they were ahead when Odegaard tapped the ball into an empty net.
However, the celebration was short-lived when the referee blew up a foul on Pepe by Kai Havertz in the build-up.
With nothing separating the sides after 180 minutes, the match went to extra time.
In the extra half hour, neither team was able to create clear chances and penalties were required.
Raya saved Porto’s penalties from Wendell and Galeno to win the match for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s Champions League record
- 2010-11 vs Barcelona – L 4-3 on generator
- 2011-12 vs AC Milan – L 4-3 on generator
- 2012-2013 vs Bayern Munich – D 3-3 (away after away goals)
- 2013-14 vs Bayern Munich – L 3-1 on generator
- 2014-2015 vs Monaco – D 3-3 (away after away goals)
- 2015-16 vs Barcelona – L 5-1 on generator
- 2016-17 vs Bayern Munich – L 10-2 on generator
- 2023-24 vs postage – D 1-1 win on pins
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