All the ghosts visited the Arsenal in Do Dragão. Eliminated in the second round of the Champions League in their previous seven appearances, the Gunners saw again in Porto, in the last breath, how the path to the quarterfinals was darkening, a round they have not played since 2010. Galeno, with a great goal in extremis, gave the victory for the Portuguese (1-0).
The two teams appeared without their main offensive references due to injury, Gabriel Jesus on the English side and Taremi on the Portuguese side. Sérgio Conceição initially opted for former Barcelona player Nico González in the midfield. For his part, Arteta alternated Trossard and Havertz in the center of his attack. None was particularly successful.
The duel in Portuguese lands was more about sensations than opportunities. Arsenal began kneading the ball but without bite, too predictable in the circulation, while the Portuguese starred in some flashes in the first half. Of course, the intensity was non-negotiable.
The clearest chance for the locals was a double one, at the feet of Galeno, who first finished off a cross from the right to the post and the rebound barely managed to put it between the three posts. The winger, who in the end was a winger, refined his aim in the 94th minute, when from the edge of the area he connected an impossible parabola for Raya.
Madness in Do Dragão. Ecstasy in the ranks of a Porto team that no one is counting on for the title, but which is usually a tough nut to crack. In fact, the last four executioners of the Portuguese later attacked the orejona. On the other hand, disappointment for an Arsenal that slips again in its first important challenge in the top European competition since 2017. Fourth visit to Do Dragão without a win for a London team that will have to come back at the Emirates. Arteta’s men will not have it easy against an always competitive Porto.
