Sporting sent Arsenal packing in Europa League

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  • Post published:March 17, 2023

Sporting Lisbon sent Arsenal crashing out of the Europa League following a penalty shoot-out at the Emirates Stadium in London on Thursday evening.

Granit Xhaka put Premier League leaders Arsenal ahead at the Emirates Stadium, putting Sporting behind.

But Portugal midfielder Goncalves forced extra time with a stunning 46-yard strike that fooled Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Reality television star Kim Kardashian and her Arsenal-supporting son Saint were among the spectators as the match ended 1-1 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate, necessitating penalty kicks to determine the winner.

Gabriel Martinelli’s penalty kick was saved by Antonio Adan, and Nuno Santos scored the decisive kick to give Sporting an unexpected 5-3 victory in the shootout.

Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, described the result as “devastating” and criticized his team for squandering opportunities.

“There were moments in the first 75 minutes where we weren’t at our level. We gave every ball away and we didn’t have the capacity to take the game,” the Spaniard said.

“There were chances to win it in extra-time. There was a lot of uncertainty with the pens. It was a very difficult game.”

Marcus Rashford’s long-range goal gave Manchester United a 1-0 victory at Real Betis and a 5-1 aggregate victory on a much more tranquil night.

Joaquin hit the post for Betis, while Juanmi squandered two clear opportunities for the hosts as they began well, desperately attempting to overcome a three-goal deficit at the boisterous Benito Villamarin stadium.

However, an outstanding goal by Rashford early in the second half broke the tie.

“Once you score the first goal the game is gone, and they don’t have the belief anymore,” said Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

“That is another step (forward) we made mentally, a winning attitude, to deal with that.”