Premier League giants Arsenal have their work cut out for them as they aim to book a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2010. Porto, on the other hand, have every right to feel confident after snagging a 1-0 win over the Gunners in the Champions League Round-0f-16 first-leg three weeks back. However, protecting the lead in the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night (March 12) will take some doing.
Analyzing both sides’ strengths, weaknesses, and injury concerns, we have prepared a short list of five players who could have massive bearings on the outcome of the Champions League Round-of-16 second leg on Tuesday. Now without further ado, let’s begin.
#5 Martin Odegaard – Arsenal
Martin Odegaard Has Scored 9 Goals This Season In All Competitions
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard endured a frustrating night at the Estadio do Dragao three weeks back. He did not get the room to roam, with his former Real Madrid teammate Pepe taking it upon himself to neutralize his threat. As per Fotmob, Odegaard was Arsenal’s worst player in the Champions League last-16 first leg, attaining a rating of just 5.8. He only had two touches inside the box, lost possession four times, and came out second-best in five of eight ground duels.
Arsenal look up to Odegaard to pop up with defense-piercing passes and impeccable outside-the-box efforts. At home, the onus will be on the Norwegian to live up to expectations.
#4 Wenderson Galeno – Porto
Wenderson Galeno Has Scored 5 Champions League Goals This Season
Brazilian winger Wenderson Galeno was the difference-maker as Porto beat Arsenal in the first leg in February. The jet-heeled attacker took control of the ball 35 yards away from goal, dribbled into space, and found the back of the net with an impeccable outside-the-box screamer in injury time. The moment of magic was not a one-off from the 26-year-old this season, as he has been mightily consistent in all…
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Author : Sushan Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-03-12 06:18:46
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