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Arsenal Suffer Late Defeat In Porto

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PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 21: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at Estadio do Dragao on February 21, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 21: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at Estadio do Dragao on February 21, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Porto 1-0 Arsenal

Arsenal were stunned 1-0 by Porto in the round of 16 first-leg UEFA Champions clash at Estádio do Dragão.

The Gunners named the same line-up for a third game in a row, as Leandro Trossard continued in the absence of the injured Gabriel Jesus as he joined Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

Meanwhile, Porto veteran defender Pepe became the oldest outfield player to start a knockout game at the age of 40 and 360 days.

Mikel Arteta's charges were more on the ball in the early stages but they were not effective with their possession, as there was no shots at goal on either end in the first 15 minutes.

However, a counter-attacking approach nearly yielded a goal for the Portuguese side on 24 minutes after Galeno struck the post with a strike in the box.

Mikel Arteta's charges threatened in the closing phase of the first stanza as Saka's cross came off the crossbar.

Arsenal had a positive start in the second stanza as on the hour-mark Trossard had a big chance after he received a flick on unmarked at the back post but fired his volley over the crossbar.

The Gunners laboured for chances, as the game was on the edge in the closing stages and Galeno stole the winner for Porto in stoppage time with a long range strike that gave goalkeeper David Raya no chance.

The second-leg is set for 12 March at the Emirates Stadium. 

Napoli 1-1 Barcelona

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen rescued a 1-1 draw for Napoli against Barcelona in the round of 16 first-leg clash at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Barca were boosted by the return from injury of Joao Felix, who started from the bench while IIkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez were recalled to the line-up.

Napoli had striker Osimhen for the first time in the line-up after the Africa Cup of Nations.

Blaugrana were on the front foot early on but only came close to going ahead midway into the first stanza after Robert Lewandowski's shot from a cut-back was saved by goalkeeper Alex Meret.

After absorbing the pressure, the Italian side had a good spell of possession towards the end of the first stanza but they were not effective in creating chances and the first ended without goals.

Xavi's charges had a bright start in the second stanza as Gundogan had a shot from a cut-back by Lamine Yamal but Meret was equal to the task.

However, the Catalans were persistent and on the hour-mark, Lewandowski eventually broke the deadlock with a strike in the box from a pass into space by Pedri.

However, Barca's lead was short-lived as Osimhen levelled matters for Napoli 15 minutes before time after a pass by Andre-Frank Anguissa.

Blaugrana had the momentum in the closing minutes but could not restore their lead.

The second-leg will take place on 12 March in Barcelona.

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