Arsenal Legend’s Swagger Precedes Dramatic Win with David Raya Heroics in Champions League

Arsenal’s penalty shootout victory over Porto in the Champions League was already a nerve-wracking affair, but Thierry Henry added an extra layer of drama with his incredible confidence in goalkeeper David Raya.

The Gunners secured a place in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010 after Raya saved two penalties, with his second stop, a crucial save from Porto’s Galeno, sealing the win. However, in an unexpected twist, club legend Henry wasn’t even watching when the decisive moment occurred.

While on punditry duty for CBS Sports, Henry, clearly confident in Raya’s abilities, walked away just before the final penalty was taken. “The way he put the ball down, it looked suspicious to me,” Henry explained, adding that he had already decided Raya would save it. As Galeno’s penalty was saved, the Emirates erupted in celebration, but Henry was already heading towards the exit.

Raya, who had also got a hand to Marko Grujić’s earlier penalty, reflected on his performance post-match, admitting that he felt he could have saved a third penalty but was still thrilled with his crucial saves. “We’ve been working a lot on penalties this year, because on nights like this, we need to be really, really good,” he said.

The victory secured Arsenal’s place in the quarter-finals, marking a milestone moment for the club in European competition.