Porto 0-0 Arsenal – Champions League LIVE: Galeno hits the post for hosts as Gunners look to plant one foot in the quarter-finals… while Napoli and Barcelona go head-to-head

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Follow Mail Sport’s live blog of tonight’s featured games in the champions league for the latest score, team news and updates as Arsenal travel to Porto and Napoli host Barcelona. 

While we are waiting for the second halves to restart, why not follow our Premier League live blog.

Luton took a first-half lead away at Liverpool and looked to have stunned the league leaders, but in their usual fashion, the Reds have turned it around in the second half.

It looks like a lively one there at Anfield.

RIO FERDINAND: ‘Give credit to Porto’

Rio Ferdinand reflecting on that first half on TNT Sports:

I can’t believe it hasn’t gone in the back of the net, the place went wild like it was a goal.

Arsenal have had control, but the only time they have got near the goal was from set-pieces.

I would give credit to Porto though.

HALF-TIME: Napoli 0-0 Barcelona

The whistle blows in Naples.

Napoli are lucky to be going in level, they have really struggled in this one, but they will be thankful Barcelona have not been able to take their chances.

It should only be a matter of time until the Spanish side do. The warning signs are there for the Italian side.

Not been a night for goals so far, let’s hope that changes in the second half.

NAPLES, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Mathias Olivera of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 21, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: Ilkay Gundogan of FC Barcelona disappointed  during the UEFA Champions League  match between Napoli v FC Barcelona at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 21, 2024 in Naples Italy (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

HALF-TIME: Porto 0-0 Arsenal

There is no need for added time it seems.

That game to a long while to get going, but after Galeno somehow didn’t find the back of the net in the 22nd minute, it came to life.

I still can’t believe Galeno managed to miss, everybody thought he had found the back of the net – I mean everyone!

That could be a big moment in this tie, and Arsenal need to take advantage of it.

They have had some chances of their own, but none that were too threatening.

The Gunners will want to step it up in the second half.

Porto's Francisco Conceicao, right, holds on to Arsenal's Kai Havertz during a Champions League round of 16 soccer match between FC Porto and Arsenal at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

Every time Arsenal have a corner, they look dangerous.

Once again, a red shirt gets on the end of it – Kai Havertz – but it goes wide again.

Another good chance for the Gunners.

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

It’s another good chance for Porto, this time from Evanilson.

He gets in on the right-hand side and his shot is struck sweetly but it goes wide.

I’m hoping this half doesn’t end, but it will. The game has finally got going!

Sami Mokbel: ‘Will Porto live to regret Galeno’s missed chance?’

Sami Mokbel, Chief Football Reporter, in Porto:

Will Porto live to regret Galeno’s missed chance?

Even the tannoy operator thought he’d scored, pressing play on the goal that greets Porto’s goals only to quickly realise his error.

PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 21: Galeno of FC Porto  reacts to a missed chance  during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at Estadio do Dragao on February 21, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

The chances are in full flow now.

This time it’s Porto on the attack, and Nico Gonzalez let’s fly from just outside the area.

For a moment it looked like it could cause David Raya some problems, but it flies over the bar.

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

Another chance for Arsenal, this time from William Saliba.

Saliba gets his head on a Bukayo Saka corner from within the six-yard box, but it goes wide.

I think he could have done better there, that’s a good chance.

Kai Havertz also looked like he was running onto it and could have been in a better position.

Arsenal's French defender #02 William Saliba wins a header against FC Porto's Portuguese midfielder #31 Otavio during the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg football match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at the Dragao stadium in Porto on February 21, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

Arsenal have had a shot, I repeat, Arsenal have had a shot.

As a colleague in the office has said, ‘it’s time to get the bubbly out’.

All jokes aside, Arsenal will be pleased with their response to that missed chance.

It was Leandro Trossard with the chance from quite far out, it was always going wide.

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

That passage of play showed how careful Arsenal need to be in this tie.

They had controlled play up until that chance, and then bang, they were inches away from being behind.

Maybe that will be a wake-up call for them?

To be fair, since the post was struck, Arsenal have regained control of this fixture, they just need to start testing Diogo Costa in goal.

HUGE CHANCE! Porto 0-0 Arsenal

How has he missed that…

I am absolutely lost for words, the Porto fans were celebrating, I was about to type goal, but no.

Galeno first hits the post with a wonderful volley, the ball then comes back to him and you think he was guaranteed to score, but he fires it wide.

I still can’t believe that didn’t go in. Well, we have now had the first chance at least, and it was a big one.

That is a huge let-off for Arsenal.

Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 - First Leg - FC Porto v Arsenal - Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal - February 21, 2024 FC Porto's Galeno shoots at goal REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 - First Leg - FC Porto v Arsenal - Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal - February 21, 2024 FC Porto's Galeno reacts REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

It took 15 minutes for Pepe to give away his first foul, that’s quite a long time for him.

The 41-year-old wipes out Martin Odegaard but evades a booking, however, the resulting free-kick comes to nothing.

Still no shots in this one.

PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 21: Pepe of FC Porto gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at Estadio do Dragao on February 21, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Napoli 0-0 Barcelona

Meanwhile, things in Naples have been a little more lively than Porto.

Barcelona are looking sharp, and have just had a change through Lewandowski.

He was fed the ball at a tight angle and his shot hits the side netting, not a bad start from the away side.

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

This has been a bit of a slow burner so far.

Neither side have had a shot yet. Arsenal are having all the ball, but are struggling to find good space going forward.

They may need to take it up a gear – I hope they do for our sakes.

Porto's Pepe, left, vies for the ball with Arsenal's Leandro Trossard during a Champions League round of 16 soccer match between FC Porto and Arsenal at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Yamal the history-maker

Lamine Yamal has made history tonight.

At age 16 years and 223 days he is the youngest player ever to appear in a Champions League knockout match.

He has started well so far for Barcelona, already causing Napoli problems. He had a shot fly just over the bar after only a couple of minutes.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, left, and Napoli's Mathias Olivera challenge for the ball during the Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona at the Diego Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

The atmosphere is incredible inside the Estadio do Dragao.

It will take a lot to keep these fans quiet, but Arsenal are certainly going to try their best.

They have kept the ball well so far, but Porto look well set-up defensively.

They may need to be patient.

Porto 0-0 Arsenal

Early yellow card for Declan Rice.

It looked like a sliding tackle that would never end, a bit like that famous Sol Campbell one for England.

Galeno is the player he wiped out, and he doesn’t look to be doing too well.

PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 21: Galeno of FC Porto is fouled by Declan Rice of Arsenal, which results in a yellow card from Referee Serdar Gozubuyuk (not pictured), during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at Estadio do Dragao on February 21, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

KICK-OFF

Both games are now underway.

What a night it is set to be, let’s hope it lives up to expectations.

The atmosphere is bubbling in Porto, can Arsenal ruin the host’s night?

Arsenal players pose before a Champions League round of 16 soccer match between FC Porto and Arsenal at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is set

Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is all set for another special night of Champions League football.

While we have our focus on Arsenal, this is also set to be a mouth-watering clash, no matter either side’s form.

Last season you would not have wanted to miss this match-up, so let’s hope they can refind there form.

I think Barcelona are in a slightly better place to do so.

Sami Mokbel: ‘Barring a major upset Arsenal defeat Porto over two legs’

Sami Mokbel, Chief Football Reporter, in Porto:

So it’s 14 years since Arsenal have played in the Champions League quarter final. Tonight they have a great opportunity of making it through to the last eight.

Barring a major upset they’ll defeat Porto over two legs – and then it’s anybody’s ball game. Porto’s best hope of progressing comes tonight.

The Emirates in a fortnight’s time will be a cauldron. Victory tonight gives the Portuguese a chance.

Mikel Arteta: ‘The more they play the more they understand each other’

Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports about making no changes:

One is momentum, one is the players performances give me no reason to change anything.

The more they play the more they understand each other. We have to build on that.

Arsenal ready for battle

Arsenal have been looking sharp in the warm-up.

They are certainly men on a mission, could they be in for another big win tonight?

When the Gunners are in full flow they are a joy to watch, one of the best in Europe.

Raya key for the Gunners

How key will David Raya be tonight?

After taking the gloves over from Aaron Ramsdale, the Spanish keeper has certainly had his critics.

Mikel Arteta has stuck to his guns though, and Raya has certainly started to settle in.

If he can keep a clean sheet tonight, that will be huge.

Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 - First Leg - FC Porto v Arsenal - Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal - February 21, 2024 Arsenal's David Raya during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Evanilson Porto’s potent poacher

Is Evanilson the man who could break Arsenal hearts tonight?

The 24-year-old striker has been on fire this campaign, netting 19 goals in 27 appearances, with four of those coming in the Champions League.

The Gunners will go a long way to keeping a clean sheet if they keep the Brazilian quiet. If they don’t, they could be in trouble.

I imagine lots of teams have been keeping a keen eye on this man – Arsenal are in need of a striker…

AROUCA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 12: Evanilson de Lima of FC Porto celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during Liga Portugal Betclic match between FC Arouca and Porto at Estádio Municipal de Arouca on February 12, 2024 in Arouca, Portugal. (Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Would Arsenal sacrifice PL to win first CL?

This is a tough question to answer, and I want to hear your thoughts.

Arsenal are embroiled in an incredible three-pronged title race this season with Liverpool and Manchester City.

Sitting only two points off the top, they will push their rivals all the way until the end of the season.

However, they have never won a European Cup. The Gunners have been after good old ‘big ears’ for a long time, they are desperate for that trophy.

So, that being said, if the Champions League trophy is achievable, would they sacrifice the Premier League for it?

Isn’t one better than zero…

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 29: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal and teammates walk back after he scored the team's fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Can Osimhen fire Napoli to victory?

I must admit, this Napoli team is a far cry from the one that won Serie A last season.

However, they still have Victor Osimhen, who is a very sought-after striker around Europe.

They still have plenty of fire power to cause Barcelona damage.

Yamal starts again for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal starts again!

There has been a lot of pressure on the 16-year-old wonderkid to produce for Barcelona this season, and they are counting on him again tonight.

They have made two changes from the team that beat Celta Vigo 2-1 at the weekend.

They will want another win here.

Arsenal unchanged

Mikel Arteta has seen no reason to change the side that destroyed Burnley 5-0 away from home on Saturday.

I completely understand why, the Gunners have been on fire, why change something when it’s not broken?

A big night ahead for this team!

Porto go strong!

The Dragons have only made one change from their 2-0 win at the weekend against Estrela de Amadora.

They are going very strong, Nico Gonzalez is a name that pops out to me, formally of Barcelona.

Can this team topple Arsenal?

Arsenal’s nightmare record in Portugal

This is not good viewing for Arsenal.

The Gunners have never secured victory against a Portuguese club in Portugal, only securing one draw.

One of their three losses on the road in Portugal came against tonight’s opponents in 2010, a 2-1 loss.

It’s not just away from home they struggle though, they have only recorded one victory in 10 games overall against Portuguese clubs – against Porto.

Records are there to be broken.

Napoli v Barcelona: battle of the basket cases

In Naples, there is a lot at stake tonight for two big clubs suffering dramatic downfalls.

After both winning their domestic leagues last season, both are now having disastrous campaigns.

Napoli currently sit ninth in the Serie A, while Barcelona are third in La Liga – eight points off the top.

This means tonight is huge. Napoli are managerless after sacking Walter Mazzari only yesterday, and Barcelona are set to be managerless at the end of the season after Xavi announced he is leaving.

Either way, it will still be a great game, I hope.

NAPLES, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: A general view of the inside of the stadium, as a UEFA Champions League pitch cover can be seen, prior to the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 21, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Calm before the storm at the Dragao

The Estadio do Dragao – such a beautiful ground.

This has been a stadium on my bucket list for a very long time, and a few thousand Arsenal fans will get the privilege of being in it later.

They will be wanting to see their side win there, what a perfect night that would be for the Gunners.

It won’t be easy though, the atmosphere in there will be electric.

Mikel Arteta: ‘The past is irrelevant’

Prior to tonight, Mike Arteta had a few words to say about Arsenal’s recent poor history in the competition.

Someone called Messi was an obstacle as well and Bayern Munich that we faced twice.

They (the players) know that we have not been in the competition, obviously some of them were here and they know the story.

They know that what happened in the past is irrelevant, it is the challenge and ambition that we have now to go through.

It’s great (we are here). We have earned the right to be here. It’s been seven years since we’ve been at the top table for these kind off matches and 14 years since we were able to go to the next stage.

Arsenal to break their last-16 hoodoo?

Most of my memories of Arsenal in the Champions League consist of them getting knocked out in the round of 16.

They haven’t got through to the quarter-finals of the European Cup since the 2009-10 campaign, where they beat…. Porto.

Well, they are going to have to get past them once again if they are going to make it into the last eight for the first time in 14 years.

In 2010 they ended up coming up against Lionel Messi – we all know what happened – but they don’t have to worry about playing against him this season.

They will want to start this round off on the right foot!

ARSENAL V PORTO UEFA Champions League 1st Knockout Rnd 2nd leg at the Emirates stadium, 9th March 2010SAMIR NASRI SCORES ARSENAL'S 3RD 3-0  090310 . REXMAILPIX.
ARSENAL V PORTO UEFA Champions League 1st Knockout Rnd 2nd leg form the Emirates stadium, 9th March 2010NICKLAS BENDTNER CELEBRATES WITH SAMIR NASRI AFTER NASRI SCORED ARSENAL'S 3RD 3-0 090310  . REXMAILPIX.

Let’s get started!

It’s a big night for Arsenal, Gunners fans are you excited?

For the first time in seven years, Arsenal are playing in the last-16 of the Champions League as they are set to face Porto in Portugal.

The Gunners’ recent record in the Champions League knockout stages is not a good one, but this is Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, and they are keen to succeed where others have failed.

While we will be bringing you all the updates from the North London side’s big game, it is not the only fixture on the horizon tonight.

Naples also plays host to Champions League knockout football tonight, as Napoli face off with Barcelona – the battle of the fallen giants.

Both sides have not had good seasons after triumphing to their domestic title’s last campaign. European football is now imperative for them both. To get the key updates from this one, Mail Sport is the place to be.

So, strap yourselves in, this is going to be one hell of a night. I can’t wait for it to get started!

Key Updates

  • HALF-TIME: Napoli 0-0 Barcelona

  • HALF-TIME: Porto 0-0 Arsenal

  • HUGE CHANCE! Porto 0-0 Arsenal

  • Sami Mokbel: ‘Barring a major upset Arsenal defeat Porto over two legs’

  • Can Osimhen fire Napoli to victory?

  • Yamal starts again for Barcelona

  • Arsenal unchanged

  • Porto go strong!

  • Let’s get started!


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