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Print Brace To Benfica Goalkeeper, Aubameyang Between Arsenal Wins 4-3 Aggregate

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang led Arsenal to a 3-2 win over Benfica in the second leg of the last 32 at the Giorgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Friday, February 26.

With this victory, Arsenal stepped into the last 16 following his city club, Tottenham Hotspur, armed with an aggregate score of 4-3.

Launching Antara, Aubameyang opened up the advantage for Arsenal, who had to flee to Greece because of the COVID-19 rules, in the 21st minute through a measured completion to welcome a breakthrough bait sent by Bukayo Saka.

Benfica, who from the start of the match seemed to have difficulty penetrating the Gunners' defense, could only create meaningful opportunities in the 34th minute, unfortunately Jan Vertonghen's header to greet Pizzi's pass was still rising over the crossbar.

Benfica's hard work finally paid off two minutes from half-time when Diogo Goncalves took a free kick over the live fence and slammed the ball into the top left corner of goalkeeper Bernd Leno to equalize.

Five minutes into the second half, Aubameyang managed to break into the Benfica goal again, but this time his goal was ruled out because he was caught offside when Martin Odegaard fired the through ball.

In the 61st minute, Benfica actually managed to turn to take a 2-1 lead when Dani Ceballos' feedback towards Leno was cut by Rafa Silva to shoot the ball into the no man's goal.

Luckily for Arsenal, they were only left behind for a moment as six minutes later Kieran Tierney was able to beat goalkeeper Helton Leite with a cross to equalize 2-2.

Arsenal, who are still behind on away goals on aggregate, are in danger of being eliminated if only in the 76th minute Leno does not take the courageous action to cut the bait line for Benfica's attack.

Three minutes before the end of normal time, Aubameyang was able to score his second goal with a simple header to take advantage of Saka's cross while getting up to restore Arsenal's 3-2 lead over Benfica.

Already on edge Benfica had a golden opportunity to equalize but Rafa Silva's header hit the post. Even if it goes into the goal, the goal will definitely be disallowed because the line judge has raised the flag indicating offside.

Arsenal will find out about their opponents in the last 16 when UEFA draws on this Friday afternoon.

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