Arsenal FC has ended its Champions League round of 16 trauma. The Gunners beat FC Porto 4-2 on penalties in the second leg. After regular time and extra time the score was 1-0. This meant Arsenal reached the quarter-finals of the premier class for the first time since 2010. The Londoners had previously failed in the first knockout round seven times in a row. The team around German international Kai Havertz lost the first leg 0-1.
Havertz converted confidently in the penalty shootout, but former Leverkusen player Wendell missed when he was denied by David Raya. Then the Spaniard also parried against Galeno and became the Gunners’ hero. Leandro Trossard (41st) scored the hosts’ goal in the game. Arsenal could also face German record champions Bayern Munich in Friday’s draw.
From the start in London it was a fast-paced encounter with opportunities on both sides. Trossard took the lead shortly before halftime. In the second half, Arsenal built up more pressure after a short initial phase, but the English Premier League leaders missed a few opportunities. Only the penalty shootout brought the decision.
Barcelona defeats Naples
FC Barcelona also reached the quarter-finals of the premier class for the first time since 2020. The five-time Champions League winner, along with German national players Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ilkay Gündogan, prevailed 3-1 (2-1) against SSC Napoli in the second leg of the round of 16. The first leg in Italy ended 1-1. Fermin Lopez (15th) and former Munich players Joao Cancelo (17th) and Robert Lewandowski (83rd) made the Catalans cheer. The subsequent goal from Amir Rrahmani (30th) was not enough for Naples to advance to the last eight for the second time.
Click here for the results of the Champions League round of 16.