Despite the narrow 1-0, Gunners, who still lost a penny, were better and their rivals had no fear
22 out
2024
– 17h56
(updated at 6pm)
Thanks to an own goal by goalkeeper Riznyk, in the first half, Arsenal won a tough victory against Shakhtar Donetsk this Tuesday (22/10), in the third round of the Champions League stage. Playing at home, at the Emirates Stadium, the Londoners had a good first half; however, they fell off the pace in the final stage. Still, they had opportunities to increase the score, but missed a Trossard penalty kick. In the end, they kept the advantage and the final result was 1-0.
With this victory, Arsenal reaches seven points and temporarily into the G8. To continue in the classification zone just for the round of 16, it will depend on the games this Wednesday. On the other hand, Shakhtar, with only one point, is outside the playoff classification zone (from 9th to 24th place).
Champions Regulations
The Champions League, from this season onwards, will be played in the league stage and will no longer be in the group. Before this, there were eight groups of four teams, in turn and back, with the first two advancing to the round of 16. Now, there is one group with 36 teams. However, each team plays only six games, in a Swiss model format (common in chess games) and with goal oriented games. At the end of the eight rounds, the eight went on to the round of 16. However, teams ranked 9th to 24th compete in a repechage (eight finals); The winners of the duels advance to the round of 16. From this second stage onwards, there will be highlights until the final, which will take place in Munich.
Arsenal ahead
Arsenal were better, but the Ukrainian team played well in the first 20 minutes, and managed to avoid dangerous shots, except for Calafiori’s shot, which went over the target. However, Arsenal took the lead after 30 minutes. Gabriel Martinelli received the ball on the left, dribbled around the marker and found space to finish in the right corner by goalkeeper Riznyk. The ball hit the post, but came back and beat the archer, leading to an own goal. Nothing fairer for a team that had 66% possession and took eight shots, while Shakhtar only had two shots, both off target.
Arsenal miss a penalty and almost concede a draw
In the second half, despite playing with less intensity, Arsenal remained dominant. In addition, they managed to increase the score in the 30th minute. After moving to the left, Merino crossed trying to find Gabriel Martinelli. But the ball hit a rival’s hand in the area. Trossard took the shot, but goalkeeper Riznyk saved it. The Ukrainian team woke up at the end. But without success. At his best, Pedrinho (who played for Atlético-MG until June) took a chance and goalkeeper Raya avoided the equaliser. Marlon Gomes also had the chance. But Raya did well again, making it 1-0.
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