Sporting CP beat Arsenal 5-4 on shootout in UEL

After a 1-1 draw at the Emirates on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa League round-of-16 match, Sporting CP defeated Arsenal in a penalty shootout to advance to the quarterfinals.

Granit Xhaka scored in the first half to tie the game after last Thursday’s 2-2 draw in Lisbon. However, Pedro Goncalves scored an incredible goal from just past midfield to tie the game and force extra time.

After Sporting goalkeeper Antonio Adan saved Gabriel Martinelli’s attempt after 19 minutes, the rebound fell directly into Granit Xhaka’s path, and he swept in with his first touch to give the Gunners the lead.

Even though Arsenal led at the interval, things weren’t all good for them as Mikel Arteta was forced to make two injury substitutions: Ben White replaced Takehiro Tomiyasu after nine minutes, while Rob Holding took William Saliba’s place shortly after.

During the halftime, play picked up quickly again, but just over the hour mark, Goncalves dispossessed Arsenal, crossed the halfway line, and fired a shot from 50 yards out that sailed over Aaron Ramsdale’s head to tie the game.

Oleksandr Zinchenko gathered players at midfield before the restart as Arsenal attempted to take the game to their re-energized Portuguese opponents. Mikel Arteta’s team appeared surprised following the long-range equalizer.

After absorbing a well-placed Marcus Edwards strike to the face in the 72nd minute, Ramsdale needed assistance from Arsenal’s medical team, but he was allowed to continue after lying briefly on his back.

Both teams failed to score the game-winning goal in regulation, and the game entered overtime tied 3-3 overall.

Leandro Trossard was let through on goal by a terrible back ball from Sporting, but Adan saved the day by clearing his back line and blocking the Belgian’s shot before it could sneak behind him and bounce harmlessly off the post.

Gabriel Magalhaes’ header was heading toward goal when Adan made another outstanding save. Manuel Ugarte was given a second yellow for tackling Bukayo Saka, and the game was settled on penalties.

Prior to Adan saving Gabriel Martinelli’s penalty kick and Nuno Santos nailing his own to advance Sporting to the round of eight, both teams were faultless from the line.