David Raya was Arsenal’s hero in the penalty shootout against Porto.
The Gunners secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with victory over Porto on Tuesday night. Arsenal won 1-0 on the night and the match ended 1-1, leading to extra time.
After 30 minutes the score was unchanged and a penalty kick was needed. Arsenal won 4-2 and Raya’s fourth goal for Porto was saved by Galen’s shot.
Raya also assisted Wendell’s early penalty that gave Arsenal the advantage in the shootout. The Gunners have qualified for the next round of the tournament and will be in the draw for the quarter-finals on Friday.
After the final whistle in extra time, all eyes were on who would take the shots for Arsenal. The focus was also on Raya, as the Gunners’ goalkeeper was tasked with helping his team reach the next round.
Before kick-off, Raya was seen walking towards the home goal, where he sat with two of Arsenal’s coaches. Here Raya could be seen looking at his tablet and appeared to be reviewing the plan for Porto’s penalty kick.
Aaron Ramsdale, who was on the Arsenal bench, was also near the bench, offering support to his teammate. After Raya had defended Galen’s crucial shot, Ramsdale was seen hugging his teammate and joining in the celebrations on the pitch.
Mikel Arteta made Raya Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper after a loan move from Brentford last summer. Over the weekend, Ramsdale rarely started a game because Raya was not allowed to start, and this was his sixth Premier League game.
