Europa League: Arsenal Are Ousted By Sporting CP

 

Sporting CP defiled the odds of losing to Arsenal, making a comeback to draw 1-1 against Arsenal and are qualified for the quarterfinals of the Europa League on shootouts after both sides finished their second-leg tie on aggregate of 3-3. 

As already know, that the situation of advantage on away goals from 2-2 first-leg tie draw could not hold for Arsenal nor would it for any team in Europa League knockout stages. Mikel Arteta forfeited their chance of reaching the quarterfinals when Pireira Goncalves levelled the scores for the Portuguese side after Granit Xhaka put Arsenal ahead.

Xhaka's header following a corner put Arsenal ahead but the second half witnessed a stunning 45-yard lob shot from Pireira that beat Aaron Ramsdale to the goal and Sporting levelled the scores. The Portuguese held on through extra-time despite losing one player to red card and forced shootouts.

Sporting's goalkeeper Adan saved Gabriel Martinelli's penalty before Nuno Santos rammed in the fifth spot kick for the visitors and they successfully were through to the quarterfinals as Arsenal are out. Reaching the quarterfinals was Sporting's first in European competitions since 2017/2018.