Arsenal 1-1 (pens: 3-5) Sporting Lisbon: How it happened

Arsenal’s hopes of winning the UEFA Europa League have been dashed after a dramatic penalty shoot-out loss to Sporting Lisbon in the round of 16. The Gunners had drawn the first leg 2-2 in Portugal, but a 1-1 draw in England had left the tie finely balanced.

The game started well for Arsenal, with Granit Xhaka scoring in the 19th minute to put them ahead. However, Sporting came out much stronger in the second half and equalized with a stunning goal from Pedro Goncalves, who caught goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale off his line with a shot from just inside the Arsenal half.

The game went into extra time, and Arsenal had several chances to win it. Leandro Trossard hit the post, and Gabriel also went close, but they couldn’t find a way past Sporting’s goalkeeper Antonio Adan. Meanwhile, Sporting were reduced to ten men when Ricardo Esgaio was sent off for a second yellow card.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: Arsenal defender Rob Holding is booked by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg two match between Arsenal FC and Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The match eventually went to penalties, and both teams scored their first seven spot-kicks. However, Adan made a crucial save from Gabriel Martinelli’s penalty before Joao Palhinha scored the winning kick for Sporting.

It was a disappointing end to Arsenal’s Europa League campaign, which had started brightly with wins over the group stage matches.

In conclusion, it was a disappointing night for Arsenal fans as their team crashed out of Europe after an intense battle against Sporting Lisbon. However, there is still hope for them as they continue their quest for domestic glory this season.