Arsenal knocked out of the Europa League!

DBasia.news – Arsenal must complete their steps in the Europa League this season, after being halted in the last 16, lost on penalties against Sporting CP after a 1-1 draw for 90 minutes plus extra time or 3-3 on aggregate at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s team started the match well by being able to open the scoring in the 19th minute through Granit Xhaka. However, they lost in the second half, the 62nd minute, through a beautiful goal from Pedro Goncalves. The rest, the Gunners wasted many opportunities until extra round, as well as goalkeeper Antonio Adan who performed brilliantly.

In the penalty shootout, Brazil’s young player, Gabriel Martinelli, was the only executor of Arsenal who failed from five kicks. Meanwhile, the five Sporting players in charge of executing the ball from the spot did their job perfectly.

This was Arsenal’s 23rd shootout in all competitions (won 14 & lost 8 of the previous 22) and second at home, following a 9-8 shootout win against Rotherham at Highbury in the League Cup in October 2003.

Arsenal will next shift their focus to the domestic arena, the English Premier League, by facing London rivals Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (19/3) evening WIB.