Late Galeno strike sees Porto beat Arsenal 1-0 in the Champions League

Porto have the advantage in the Champions League Round of 16 after beating Arsenal 1-0 at Estádio do Dragão.

The Gunners asserted their authority on the ball early on but failed to do anything meaningful with it. Galeno hit the bar in the 21st minute before sending the follow up past the post.

The Dragons continued to shut down the Premier League title chasers, Arsenal unable to get Bukayo Saka into the game and Leandro Trossard looking lost up front.

Just when a bore draw appeared a mere formality, the Football Gods had one last trick up their sleeve. It had to be Galeno, the most dangerous player on the pitch curling a sweet strike into the top corner deep into added time.

The result will give Sérgio Conceição's side plenty of confidence before the second leg in London on 12 March.

Galeno hits the post

Arsenal had all the ball at Estádio do Dragão but were doing very little with it, Declan Rice picking up an early booking after a late challenge on Galeno.

The Gunners continued to showcase their silky skills and superior technical ability, Diogo Costa a bystander and not required to get his gloves dirty.

Porto had a fantastic chance to take the lead in the 21st minute after Francisco Conceição got past Jakub Kiwior and sent a cross into the box. The ball took a deflection and fell perfectly for Galeno, the winger smashing the ball against the post and sending the follow up narrowly wide.

Chances hard to come by

Arsenal finally managed to fire their first shot in the 33rd minute, Leandro Trossard’s effort sailing into the stratosphere.

The Dragons fashioned the final two chances of the half, Nico González’s drive from distance missing the top corner and Evanilson firing straight at David Raya.

The cagey nature of the contest continued in the second half, Arsenal going close from Rice’s corner to back post where Trossard volleyed over the bar.

There was more action coming from referee Serdar Gözübüyük than the players as Kiwior, Kai Havertz and Nico González were booked in six minutes.

Porto continued to look more dangerous in attack, Evanilson’s shot deflected wide in the 67th minute after some nice build up play from Pepê Aquino.

Substitutions start to flow

With little action happening on the pitch, the managers got busy with Mikel Arteta replacing Trossard with Jorginho and sending Havertz further forward.

Sérgio Conceição brought on Iván Jaime, Gonçalo Borges and Toni Martínez for González, Conceição and Evanilson before Wendell made way for Stephen Eustáquio in the 90th minute.

Gabriel Magalhães headed Rice’s free kick over the bar in added time as many seasoned Dragons supporters headed for an early exit. You get what you deserve.

Porto piled on the pressure in the final minutes and came up with the goods, Arsenal failing to close down Galeno who curled a picture perfect effort past David Raya.

Dragons get it done

Once again Porto have upset the odds in Europe, shutting down an Arsenal side that came into the clash after winning 6-0 at West Ham and 5-0 at Burnley.

The Gunners never looked like scoring from open play however, their elaborate and annoying corner routines providing their best opportunities.

Full credit must go to Sérgio Conceição, his game plan and his players, particularly Otávio who stood strong in only his second start for Porto since his winter switch from Famalicão.

The Dragons remain rather boring to watch and will face a tougher challenge in London, but they couldn’t have done much more and will fancy their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

By Matthew Marshall at Estádio do Dragão