Arsenal beat Porto on Tuesday night to secure their spot in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years. The Gunners managed to reverse the 1-0 deficit from the first leg with a lone goal by Leandro Trossard. With the game heading to penalties to decide the winner, two crucial saves from David Raya ensured Mikel Arteta’s squad secured the win.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALISTS ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pdsCEdehOl
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 12, 2024
Having conquered the challenge posed by the Portuguese side, the club now look forward to the draw for the next stage set to take place on Friday, March 15, 2024. While everyone waits impatiently to see which games are in store, we’ve decided to go down memory lane and look back at some of the major football events that have taken place since Arsenal last made the Champions League quarter-finals.
From Heartbreaks to Triumphs: Football’s Emotional Rollercoaster Since 2010
July 11, 2010 – Spain’s World Cup Glory
In a nail-biting final against the Netherlands, Spain clinched their first-ever World Cup title with a lone goal from Andres Iniesta in extra-time. The victory sparked euphoria across Spain and left Dutch fans feeling orangey blue. And who can forget the Vuvuzela symphony that became the unofficial soundtrack of the tournament, making every match sound like a giant beehive. Love ’em or hate ’em, you couldn’t ignore ’em!
May 19, 2012: Chelsea’s Miracle in Munich
Chelsea defied the odds to lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history, stunning Bayern Munich in their own backyard with a penalty shootout victory. Didier Drogba’s heroics stole the show, etching his name into the Blues’ folklore forever.
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July 13, 2014 – Germany’s Blitzkrieg in Brazil
In a stunning display of precision and power, Germany bulldozed their way to victory in the 2014 World Cup, dismantling Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals. The match left Brazilian fans shell-shocked and provided ample meme material for years to come. Die Mannschaft edged past Argentina in the final to etch their name in history.
May 2, 2016 – Leicester City’s Fairy Tale Premier League Win
Against all odds, Leicester City shocked the footballing world by clinching the Premier League title, defying 5000-1 odds. Jamie Vardy’s party and Claudio Ranieri’s “dilly ding, dilly dong” became legendary phrases that summer.
Read More: Top Five Oldest Clubs Still in Existence in English Football
June 14, 2018 – VAR Debuts in The FIFA World Cup
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) made its much-debated debut in the FIFA World Cup, adding another layer of drama and controversy to the beautiful game. Suddenly, every decision was scrutinized and every goal was celebrated with a hint of uncertainty, as players, coaches, and fans alike grappled with the new era of technology in football.
July 15, 2018 – “It’s Coming Home” Heartbreak
England’s dream of bringing football home shattered as they fell to Croatia in the World Cup semi-final, dashing hopes of a repeat of their 1966 triumph. The iconic chant turned into a collective sigh as fans mourned what could have been. France went on to win the trophy led by a young and dynamic squad featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Benjamin Pavard, and Lucas Hernandez.
March 11, 2020 – Liverpool’s Premier League Glory Interrupted by COVID-19
The global COVID-19 pandemic brought football to a screeching halt, with leagues suspended, matches played behind closed doors, and the Euros and Copa America postponed. Amid the chaos, Liverpool ended their 30-year wait for a top-flight title, clinching the Premier League trophy, but the pandemic dampened their celebrations.
November 25, 2020 – Maradona’s Hand of God Rests
Football mourned the loss of one of its greatest icons, Diego Maradona, who passed away at 60. From the “Hand of God” to the “Goal of the Century,” Maradona’s legacy transcends the pitch. The streets of Buenos Aires overflowed with grief as fans paid tribute to their beloved “El Pibe de Oro” (The Golden Boy), immortalizing his name in the annals of football history.
July 10, 2021 – Messi’s Argentine Redemption
After years of heartbreak and near misses, Lionel Messi finally got his hands on international silverware as Argentina triumphed over Brazil in the Copa America final. The iconic number 10 led his team to glory, exorcising the demons of past tournaments and cementing his status as one of football’s greatest-ever players.
June 10, 2023 – City’s Historic Treble Triumph
Manchester City etched their name into the annals of football history by securing a historic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in a single season. It was only the tenth time a European club won a treble with City joining Celtic (1967), Ajax (1972), PSV Eindhoven (1988), Manchester United (1999), Barcelona (2009 and 2015), Inter Milan (2010) and Bayern Munich (2013 and 2020).
