Bukayo Saka quickly cancelled out Pizzi’s opener at the start of the second half to guide Arsenal to a tight 1-1 draw with Benfica as the Gunners take an away goal advantage into the second leg.

An open first half saw both first team looking for the opening goal and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should have opened the scoring when getting on the end of a Hector Bellerin cross, but the Arsenal captain somehow missed a tap in.

The Gunners the team on top in the first half but couldn’t make the pressure pay.

The home side got off to the perfect start to the second half as Pizzi tucked home from the penalty spot with 55 minutes played.

Mikel Arteta’s team didn’t trail for long as just two minutes later Bakayo Saka got on the end of Cedirc Soares cross before guiding his effort into the back of the net.

Both side had their chances as the half wore on but neither could take them and were forced to settle for the 1-1 draw with Arsenal netting an important away goal.