Pedro Goncalves, the Sporting Lisbon star, scored a stunning goal that helped his team knock Arsenal out of the Europa League. The midfielder scored one of the best goals of the season in their match, and Tottenham defender Pedro Porro was impressed by it.
The Gunners hosted the Portuguese team in the second leg of their Round of 16 match, with the first leg ending in a 2-2 draw. Granit Xhaka gave Arsenal the lead in the first half with a fine strike from the edge of the area. However, Goncalves equalized for the visitors midway through the second half, and did so in spectacular fashion.
The 24-year-old, who was close to the centre circle, saw Aaron Ramsdale off his line and went for glory. His looping effort was hit straight towards goal and despite the efforts from the Gunners goalkeeper, it flew into the back of the net. Spurs star Porro, who is on loan from Sporting, was in awe of the strike and tweeted: “What a goal.”
The goal sparked Sporting into life, and Ramsdale was called into action moments later, saving ex-Spurs starlet Marcus Edwards’ shot with his face. With the clock ticking down, both sides searched for a late winner that would send them through to the quarter-finals. However, with the aggregate score at 3-3, extra time was required to settle the tie.
Manuel Ugarte was sent off for a second yellow card for his foul on Bukayo Saka as the two sides approached a penalty shootout. Both sides were successful from the spot until Gabriel Martinelli’s kick was saved, and Nuno Santos then sent Sporting through.
Arsenal’s European hopes have been cut short once again, but their absence could help them on their way to the Premier League title.