Porto pulled off a stunning last-gasp victory over Arsenal, winning 1-0 in their Champions League last-16 tie at Estadio Do Dragao on Wednesday.
The match had been uneventful until the fifth minute of added time when Brazilian winger Galeno curled a magnificent shot past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya to secure the win and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
Arsenal, who had scored an impressive 21 goals in their last five Premier League games, were strangely off-color in their attack, failing to register a single effort on target throughout the match, which was tightly contested.
Although Arsenal defended well enough, their lack of urgency in attack may come back to haunt them, as Galeno’s goal gives Porto a crucial edge ahead of the second leg in London on March 12.
Arsenal are aiming to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010, with their last seven campaigns all ending in the last 16.
“We had to manage the game better when you can’t win,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
“We lacked threat and aggression in the final third and we need to tweak a few things. We can do better. If you want to be in the quarter-finals, you have to beat your opponent, and this is what we will have to do at the Emirates now.”
Despite Porto’s poor record away against English clubs, failing to score against Arsenal in three previous visits and conceding 11 goals, the 30-time Portuguese champions will travel to London with hope.
Arteta’s side controlled possession throughout the game, but apart from two headers from William Saliba and Kai Havertz, both from corners, they never really looked like scoring.
Porto, on the other hand, grew in confidence and had a chance to take the lead in the 21st minute after a slick counter-attack.
Galeno hit the far post with a powerful shot, and when the ball came back to him, he placed the rebound wide of the other post.
With 40-year-old Pepe, the oldest player to appear in a Champions League knockout round game, showing his vast experience at the back, Porto dealt comfortably with Arsenal’s attack and kept England forward Bukayo Saka quiet.
Although Porto occasionally threatened, they had another chance shortly before the break when Evanilson drove a shot at Raya.
The second half was even less exciting than the first, with Arsenal struggling to gain any rhythm against their wily hosts.
However, Galeno’s sublime goal lit up the match in the dying seconds, and it was a bitter blow for Arsenal.
“It was a kick in the teeth,” said Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
“We have to change our approach in the home leg and give it absolutely everything.”
