Premier League giants Arsenal have successfully overcome their Portuguese rivals FC Porto to cement their place in the final eight of the UEFA Champions League 2023/24. Their triumph came via a penalty shootout in the Round of 16 second-leg fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side had been tasked with overturning the disappointments of the first-leg fixture after suffering a 1-0 loss in Porto. In the fiery contest at home, the Gunners displayed their strengths eliminating the Liga Nos club. Meanwhile, Porto manager Sergio Conceicao accused Arteta of directing an insult towards him.
Sergio Conceicao talks on sideline altercation with Mikel Arteta
Arsenal, coming off the back of successive stellar domestic results in the Premier League, welcomed Porto. They defeated the visitors 1-0 on the night, courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli’s replacement, Leandro Trossard, who struck late in the first half, combining with Skipper Martin Odegaard to level the aggregate at 1-1.
Following extra time, both sides remained level, taking the feisty affair in London to a penalty shootout. During the penalties, Mikel Arteta’s boys capitalized on their spot-kicks and Spanish shot-stopper David Raya’s two heroic saves were enough to propel the hosts into the next stage, sparking jubilation at the Emirates.
During the post-game celebrations, Porto’s boss Sergio Conceicao refused to shake hands with Mikel Arteta, and the duo was seen indulging in a heated argument, exchanging words. Later, during the post-match conference, the Portuguese tactician accused his counterpart of insulting his family members.
He claimed, “During the game, Mikel Arteta turned to the bench in Spanish and insulted my family and at the end, I told him that whoever he insulted is no longer among us. Let him worry about training his team who has a lot of quality to play more.”
Mikel Arteta refuses to comment on Sergio Conceicao allegations
Mikel Arteta has worked wonders for Arsenal, reinforcing their status as one of the elite clubs in Europe. The 41-year-old has guided the London club to the Champions League Quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years, marking their first appearance at this stage of the competition since 2010.
While speaking about their tremendous victory in the last-16 clash, Arteta addressed the press in the post-match conference. However, when questioned about the incident between him and Porto’s head coach and what happened on the pitch, he replied, “Absolutely nothing.”
When pressed further on the accusation, Arteta simply stated, “No comment.” Arteta’s side is currently at the top of the league table, ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City. They will be resuming their campaign to chase both the League and European titles post-international break.
The 2003/04 season Premier League winners will be hosting the reigning champions, Manchester city at the Emirates on the 31st of March 2024. Before that, they will learn about their opposition for the Champions League Quarter-final ties, as the draw is set to take place this Friday.
