The Portuguese win narrowly in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. PORTO (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Porto wins 1-0 over Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16: the match is decided by Galen’s curling shot in full recovery. In general, an intense match was staged at the do Dragao stadium, but extremely blocked, unspectacular and lacking in clear scoring opportunities. Porto manages to complete their game plan, making Arsenal play poorly and limiting Saka’s creativity. The first half confirmed the expectations of the day before, highlighting a technically dirty and very tactical match.
Arsenal dominated possession, but did not pose any particular danger to Diogo Costa’s goal. On the other hand, Porto defends compactly, relying on the counterattack. The hosts have the best chance to break the deadlock. On Porto’s first attack, in the 21st minute, Galeno, on a volley, deflects Pepe’s cross into the top corner: the ball returns again to the Brazilian winger who, with a sure shot from two steps, sends it just wide. In the second half the rhythm was even more fragmented, due to numerous fouls and constant warnings from the referee on set pieces. In the 56th minute, from Odegaard’s corner, Trossard coordinates in the center of the area and volleys the ball, but misses the target. Porto also tries again in the 67th minute, thanks to Evanilson’s shot from a few steps away, deflected into a corner by a providential intervention by Rice. In the final, Porto won sensationally in the 94th minute, thanks to Galen’s wonderful curling shot from outside the area. Porto party and final mockery for an Arsenal team that is too bad to be true in terms of play. The return match is scheduled for March 12th at the Emirates in London. – photo Ipa Agency – (ITALPRESS). xl9/gm/red 21-Feb-24 11.02pm .