Gunners, Stunner!

03/13/2024

By: Jeff Yoder

Champions League: Arsenal Escape Porto (1-0, 4-2 PKs), Barcelona Thrash Napoli (3-1) to Advance

More excitement across the pond! Tuesday’s Champions League action saw two matches in England and Spain. Barcelona laid waste to Napoli early (3-1) to punch their ticket to the last eight, but it was two-plus hours of chaos in London between Arsenal and FC Porto.

Gunners in a Shootout: Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard took a beautiful pass inside the box and placed it bottom-right in the 41st minute to put the Gunners on top (1-0) and even the aggregate, two-leg scoreline at one goal apiece. That touch-shot was the only goal of regulation, but it was enough to force extra time — and eventually penalty kicks. Goalkeeper David Raya was sensational all night. And after Declan Rice put the Gunners ahead in PKs (4-2), Raya’s magnificent save punched Arsenal through. Elation in Emirates Stadium! It’s Arsenal’s first trip to the Champions League quarterfinals in 14 years. Two more Round of 16 matches (Leg 2) are on the way this afternoon.

Champions League (Round of 16)

Arsenal def. Porto (1-0, 4-2 PKs)

*Arsenal Advance on Aggregate (1-1)

Barcelona def. Napoli (3-1)

*Barcelona Advance on Aggregate (4-2)

Today’s Schedule

Atletico Madrid vs. Inter (4:00 pm ET, Par+)

Borussia Dortmund vs. PSV (4:00 pm ET, Par+)

CBS Sports: Mikel Arteta Had Already Drawn Up Blueprint for Arsenal’s Penalty Shootout Excellence

Photo: David Price / Getty Images