Arsenal’s 14-year hiatus from the Champions League quarterfinals has ended, with David Raya’s penalty heroics playing a pivotal role.
Raya’s spectacular saves during the penalty shootout against Porto at the Emirates Stadium secured a 4-2 victory. His crucial interventions included deflecting a spot-kick from Wendell onto the post and denying Galeno’s effort with a diving save.
The breakthrough marks a significant milestone for Raya, who assumed the role of Arsenal’s No. 1 goalkeeper last summer amid ongoing scrutiny from the club’s fanbase.
“It’s an incredible feeling for me, experiencing the Champions League for the first time and helping the club reach the quarterfinals after so many years,” Raya expressed. “Our meticulous preparation on penalties, alongside the efforts of our goalkeeper coach and the team, ultimately paid off.”
The victory not only halted Arsenal’s streak of round-of-16 exits, which extended over seven previous campaigns, but also leveled the aggregate score at 1-1 after Leandro Trossard’s equalizing goal in the 41st minute.
Porto’s resolute defensive strategy stifled Arsenal’s attacking efforts throughout the match, leading to a stalemate even in extra time.
Manager Mikel Arteta, elated by the breakthrough, acknowledged the magnitude of the achievement and the collective effort required to secure the victory. With Arsenal also leading the Premier League, Arteta is optimistic about the club’s growing momentum.
“We are thrilled. It’s been 14 years, a considerable stretch for a club like Arsenal, which underscores the challenges we faced,” Arteta reflected. “We had to display resilience and determination to find the breakthrough, and together, we achieved it.”
While Porto had clinched victory in the first leg with a late goal, Arsenal’s persistence in the return leg, coupled with Raya’s pivotal saves, propelled them to the quarterfinals, reigniting hopes of securing European football’s most prestigious trophy.
The match saw veteran defender Pepe, aged 41, become the oldest outfield player to feature in a Champions League fixture, mirroring Arteta’s age.
Amidst Arsenal’s relentless attacking endeavors, Trossard’s clinical finish proved decisive, nullifying Porto’s slender advantage and setting the stage for Arsenal’s triumphant penalty shootout.
Ultimately, successful spot-kicks from Odegaard, Havertz, Saka, and Rice sealed Arsenal’s victory, culminating in Raya’s decisive save that propelled the club into the quarterfinals.
