CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Arsenal rally past Girona to seal Champions League knockout spot

Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage with a 2-1 comeback victory over Girona, scoring twice in a four-minute first-half burst.

Despite their strong position going into the match, pre-game discussions centered on the Gunners’ interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. Girona appeared poised for an upset when Arnaut Danjuma took advantage of goalkeeper Neto’s rushed clearance, curling the ball into an empty net in the 28th minute.

Neto, making his Arsenal debut in place of the injured David Raya, was left stranded as Danjuma struck. However, Arsenal responded swiftly.

Jorginho equalized from the penalty spot ten minutes later after Thomas Partey was fouled by Arnau Martinez. The turnaround was complete just before half-time when 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri cut inside from the right and curled a stunning effort into the bottom corner.

Girona nearly leveled in the second half through Cristhian Stuani, but his tap-in was ruled out for offside. In stoppage time, Arsenal had a chance to extend their lead, but Pau Lopez saved Raheem Sterling’s penalty.

The victory places Arsenal on 19 points, comfortably securing a spot among the top eight heading into the Champions League knockout rounds.

Lucky Maurice

Recent Posts

Victor Osimhen Reveals Odion Ighalo And Obafemi Martins Inspired His Super Eagles Career As He Nears Yekini’s Record

Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen has opened up on the Nigerian football legends who shaped…

13 hours ago

Chelsea Cult Hero N’Golo Kante In Talks For Shock Return To Europe At One Of Jose Mourinho’s Old Clubs

World Cup winner N'Golo Kante has emerged as the subject of a sensational transfer approach…

1 day ago

Xabi Alonso Speaks Out After Real Madrid Dismissal As He Makes Feelings On Players Clear In Emotional Statement

Xabi Alonso has broken his silence following his abrupt departure from Real Madrid, issuing a…

1 day ago

CAF Appoints Ghanaian Referee Daniel Laryea And South African Officials For AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Between Nigeria And Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the officiating team for the highly anticipated…

2 days ago

‘Probably Talking To Him Now’ – Ruben Amorim Backed For Sensational Premier League Return Just One Week After Man Utd Sacking

Ruben Amorim is being tipped for a sensational Premier League return just days after his…

2 days ago

Peller Promises Super Eagles’ Ademola Lookman ₦500,000 Per Goal Against Morocco At AFCON 2025

Nigerian TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has promised Super Eagles winger Ademola…

2 days ago