FC Porto pulled off a dramatic late win against Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, snatching a 1-0 victory thanks to a sensational strike from Galeno. Despite being considered favorites with their strong Premier League form, the Gunners were left stunned by the Portuguese side’s resilience and late magic.
Porto started strong, carving out the better chances in the first half. Galeno almost put them ahead early on, somehow hitting the post from close range and then fluffing the rebound. Other efforts from Nico González and Evanilson kept Arsenal’s David Raya on his toes.
Mikel Arteta’s men found their footing after the break, with Martin Ødegaard coming close with a deflected shot that struck Leandro Trossard in the box. Trossard himself had a golden opportunity later, volleying over the bar after a good cross from Declan Rice.
However, just when it seemed a draw was on the cards, Galeno produced a moment of individual brilliance. The Portuguese winger unleashed a curling effort from 20 yards out that left Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale helpless, sending the Estádio do Dragão into a frenzy.
The late sucker punch leaves Arsenal with a tough task in the second leg at the Emirates. While history isn’t on Porto’s side (never having won in England), they’ll be riding high after their dramatic victory. Arteta and his players will need to regroup and find their attacking spark if they want to overcome this deficit and progress to the quarter-finals.
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