Impressive performance from Arsenal that defeated Milan 3-0, without being able to score another goal that would send the game into extra time. Two weeks ago, Milan defeated Arsenal 4-0 and no one believed that they could lose the qualification to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. No one except the Arsenal players and the coach… The "gunners" denied everything and everything, and making a "magic" first half, they were ahead of the score with 3-0, but could not score a fourth goal that would send the match to extra time, but gaining respect. all over Europe.
The start was ideal for Arsene Wenger's team and only in the 6th minute with a header by Koscielny did he take the lead by setting fire to the "Emirates". The continuation was similar for Arsenal and in the 26th minute Rosicki took advantage of the mistake of the defense. of the "Rossoneri" and with a sliding shot, made it 2-0 giving even more hope for the big upset.
Shortly before the end of the first half, all of London got to their feet. Oxlade-Chamberlain made a nice save and won the penalty. Van Persie with his 32nd goal this year made it 3-0, bringing ecstasy to the ranks of the hosts!
In the replay, Milan were able to balance the game, however by completing one hour of play, they lost their biggest opportunity to send the game into extra time. After a shot by Walcott, Abiati repulsed Van Persie from one meter to miss the opportunity of the match to turn everything upside down.
Benfica - Zenit St. Petersburg 1-0
Benfica did not encounter any difficulties to beat Zenit and get the other ticket of the day for the quarterfinals of the Champions League. It is worth noting that the "Lisbon Eagles" qualify for the first time in the "8" of the top European inter-club competition after 2005.
Jorge Jesσουςs's team "hit" in the delays of the two halves. In the first, Pereira after a nice assist by Cardoso made it 1-0, giving a strong qualifying lead to his team.
The end result was formed in the delays, when Nelson took advantage of his team's counterattack, putting the icing on the cake.
Benfica: Arthur, Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Zardel, Emerson, Witsel, Xavi Garcia, Gaitan (72 ′ Matic), Rodrigo (62 ′ Nolito), Bruno Cesar, Cardoso (80 ′ Nelson).
Zenit: Malafeev, Anyukov (52 ′ Bruno Alves), Hubochan, Lombaerts, Crisito, Denisov, Semak, Sirokov, Bistrov (46 ′ Lazovic), Ziryanov (70 ′ Faizulin), Kerz
Source: Protathlima.com.cy