Arsenal suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Europa League at Emirates Stadium and were knocked out of the competition.
Despite an eventful and entertaining tie, Gabriel Martinelli missed his spot-kick, which was saved by Sporting’s goalkeeper Adan, before Nuno Santos scored the winner to trigger celebrations among the Portuguese team’s players at full-time.
The game saw some great moments, including a spectacular long-range chip by Pedro Goncalves from 46 yards, which forced extra time, while Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka opened the scoring by pouncing on a rebound.
Arsenal defender Gabriel came close to scoring twice in the final minutes of extra time, with one of his headers tipped over the bar, and another effort cleared off the goalline.
In addition Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte was sent off for a dangerous sliding tackle on Bukayo Saka before their shootout victory.
The game was frenetic, and there were chances throughout, including a missed opportunity by Arsenal substitute Leandro Trossard, who hit the post in extra time when he was gifted possession and ran through one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Sporting’s Marcus Edwards, who had previously played for Tottenham, was also denied by Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale minutes after Goncalves had equalized in normal time.
On Friday, in the quarter-final draw at 11:00 GMT, the visitors will find out their next opponent.
