Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya issued a confident statement after his standout performance in the second leg of their Round of 16 encounter against Porto in the Champions League. The match took place on Tuesday, March 12, at the Emirates Stadium in London, England.
With the aggregate still deadlocked 1-1 after regular time, it proceeded to extra time and penalties. It was at this juncture that the Spanish goalkeeper truly showcased his prowess.
Raya made crucial saves from spot-kicks taken by Wendell and Galeno, leading the Gunners to a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
Despite making the sensational saves, the 28-year-old goalie felt he could have done better.
"I should have saved three, but I'm over the moon to save two and get through to the quarter-finals," Raya said after the match.
Arsenal are now through to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since 2010.
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Arsenal trailed on aggregate going into the match
Arsenal entered the match trailing 1-0 on aggregate after Porto winger Galeno scored a crucial 94th-minute goal in the first leg.
However, winger Leandro Trossard equalized for the Gunners in the 41st minute of the second leg.
"Porto made it so difficult over there and here. But we scored the goal that we needed and it went to penalties. Obviously mentally it's tough but the team played really, really well, we kept a clean sheet, scored the goal and went to penalties," the Spanish goalie added.
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