Champions League: Arsenal overthrown in the final moments by Porto

Stunning. At the end of a match without rhythm, Porto finally overthrew Arsenal (1-0) thanks to a goal from Galeno in added time. The Portuguese have an important option ahead of the return match on March 12.

It has been since 2010 and a round of 16 match against Porto that Arsenal have not won a double Champions League tie. For its return to the knockout phase of C1 and after 6 years of absence in the competition, the Gunners found Porto at the Estadio do Dragao, in a tactical duel if not to say boring. Both teams took their time, whether with the visitors or without the ball for the locals, and waited patiently for opposing errors.

There was only one big thrill in 45 minutes, when Galeno hit the post hard in the first, then fired wide in the second. A few missed London combinations and a few set pieces later, the Dutch referee sent the two teams back to the locker room with a goalless score, witness to the poor content of the game. In the second act, the English had the ball, Porto gritted their teeth. The match even lost in technical quality, and was filled with yellow cards (2 on each side in the 2nd half).

Then after these long minutes came the light. Martinelli rushed into added time and lost a valuable ball, which Galeno took advantage of. The block is unbalanced and the Brazilian takes the opportunity to advance alone in front of the surface, before curling his shot into Raya's small net (94th). Porto fans waited a long time to see a goal, but it was worth it. Trapped, Arsenal already has its back against the wall because of the smallest of advantages now possessed by Porto. This 1-0 gives the Dragaos confidence for the return leg, where they will undoubtedly try to maintain this score. Arteta and his men will have their work cut out for them.