As a result of the first leg of the 1/8 round of the 2023/24 Champions League, Arsenal received a defeat with a score of 1-0 against Porto. Meanwhile, Barca was held 1-1 by Napoli in a thrilling match.
Arsenal received a bitter defeat in injury time
After 7 years returning to play in the 1/8 round of the Champions League, in the beginning of the match, Arsenal let Porto dominate, but the “Gunners” quickly regained control of the ball and showed their superiority. level ahead of rival Porto. Coach Arteta’s students controlled the ball tightly and pressed the field to find opportunities to score. Porto doesn’t hold the ball much, but they know how to make things difficult for their opponents.
In the second half, both teams played more cautiously. It seemed like there would be a draw at Dragao Stadium, but Porto fans burst into joy. Minute 90+4, Galeno became Porto’s hero with a superb long-range shot, completely defeating goalkeeper Raya.
Galeno scored a super goal against Arsenal in the final minutes of the match (Photo: AP)
In the end, Porto beat Arsenal with a score of 1-0. This is too harsh a result for Arteta teachers and students. The two teams will play the return match on March 13 at Emirates Stadium.
Barca dropped victory against Napoli
Even though they had to play away from home, Barca still pushed their team up from the first minutes. Young talent Lamine Yamal is the most prominent player on the Catalan team’s attack line. Meanwhile, Napoli did not have many opportunities to threaten Ter Stegen’s goal. Despite attacking a lot, Barca could not score a goal in the first half.
Entering the second half, Barca’s efforts were finally rewarded. Lewandowski scored the opening goal of the match. The goal forced Napoli to attack and find an equalizer. A few minutes later, Victor Osimhenv scored the equalizer for Napoli. The remaining time is not enough for both teams to find more goals.
Lewandowski scored the opening goal for Barca (Photo: Reuters)
In the end, Barca was held to a 1-1 draw by Napoli. Coach Xavi and his team still have many opportunities when they can play the second leg at home on March 13.