In a dramatic turn of events, Sporting Lisbon’s goalkeeper, Antonio Adan, denied Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli from the penalty spot, leading to a 5-3 shootout triumph for the Portuguese side in the round of 16 Europa League clash on Thursday, following a 1-1 draw.
Despite finishing level on aggregate at 3-3, Sporting Lisbon, currently fourth in the Portuguese league, progressed to the quarter-finals thanks to Adan’s heroics.
Premier League leaders Arsenal drew first blood with a brilliant assist from Jorginho that sent Martinelli through on the left, whose shot was saved, only for Granit Xhaka to score on the rebound.
Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves then equalised in stunning fashion, spotting Arsenal’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale off his line and launching a 45-yard missile from just inside the Arsenal half.
Former Tottenham Hotspur player Marcus Edwards had a one-on-one chance against Ramsdale, but his effort was saved, while Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard’s shot in extra time was deflected onto the post.
Read more:
