Galeno’s goal in stoppage time gave Porto the lead in their first leg of their Champions League last-16 match, shocking Arsenal.
After setting himself up with a few touches, the Brazilian winger curled a stunning finish past David Raya’s dejected full-stretch dive and into the net.
Galeno struck a shot off the post and mishandled the rebound, giving Sergio Conceicao’s team the advantage at halftime.
Arsenal was greatly let down by that, but Galeno scored flawlessly in the game’s final four extra minutes.
The home team had earlier attempted to take the lead in the first half, but Nico Gonzalez’s thunderous strike had gone over the bar.
Despite having the majority of the possession, the Gunners were unable to put any shots on goal during the game; Kai Havertz and William Saliba both missed corners.
On March 12, Arsenal will play the second leg at Emirates Stadium in an attempt to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009–2010.
Arsenal lacked a perfect finish, but they had plenty of set-piece possibilities. Leandro Trossard blasted over the bar in response to a corner from Declan Rice in one of those scenarios.
Arsenal seemed nervous and did not exhibit the brilliant form that has won them 21 goals in their first five Premier League games of the new year in their Champions League knockout match since 2017.
The Arsenal failed to have a shot on target in a Champions League match for just the second time in history (since 2003–04), the first time occurring at Barcelona in the round of 16. in March 2011.
There were few clear-cut opportunities, and the Porto defense kept Bukayo Saka quiet while Havertz headed his chance off target.
Mikel Arteta’s team looked to be holding out for a draw, but they gave up late on and were rightfully punished by Galeno’s skill.
Arsenal has not won at the Stadium do Dragao in four visits, drawing once, and now losing three times. Porto, who is currently third in Liga Portugal, is seven points behind Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. Despite this, they were always in control versus Arsenal.
Among the competition’s 12 two-leg knockout ties, the Gunners have only won one of the first legs (D2, L9), losing the previous seven first-leg games.
If Arsenal hopes to avoid being eliminated from Europe’s top competition eight times in a row, they must play far better when they play in London next month.
(BBC)
