Bukayo Saka “knew it was going to be a special night” for Arsenal before they knocked FC Porto out of the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Gunners were pushed all the way to a penalty shootout at the Emirates, but were ultimately successful in their bid to reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in 14 years.
Leandro Trossard scored the only goal of the game just before the break to tie up the two-legged affair on aggregate, although the hosts did have the ball in the net again in the second half.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard wheeled away in celebration following a deft finish, but the goal was chalked off due to a foul by Kai Havertz on former Real Madrid centre-back Pepe.
Extra time couldn’t separate the sides but spot kicks most certainly did, as Saka and three of his teammates found the target, while Wendell hit the post and Galeno saw his effort saved by goalkeeper David Raya.
“I am buzzing. I am so proud of the team, we showed a lot of character,” Saka told TNT Sports after the final whistle.
“I prepare myself and work a lot practising penalties. I was more than ready.
“Right now we are top of the Premier League and into the quarter- finals [of the Champions League].
“That gives us a lot of belief that we can go to the Etihad and get a result. These are the games we play football for.
“Tonight was beautiful. I knew it was going to be a special night. The manager is buzzing, he is so happy for us.”
