Arsenal’s progression to the quarter-finals of the Europa League was marred by post-match drama as Mikel Arteta had to restrain Leandro Trossard amid accusations of insults hurled at Porto boss Sergio Conceicao.The tense encounter culminated in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless extra time, with Arsenal prevailing 4-2 on penalties. However, the aftermath was marked by confrontations between players and staff from both teams.

Trossard, who scored in the match, was involved in a heated exchange with Porto players, requiring Arteta’s intervention to defuse the situation. Conceicao later accused Arteta of insulting his family during the game, a claim vehemently denied by the Arsenal manager. Both managers had earlier been booked for protesting over second-half decisions. Despite the off-field controversies, Arteta expressed pride in his team’s performance and praised the home fans for their support. Arsenal’s victory marked their first appearance in the Europa League quarter-finals since 2010.

Arteta highlighted goalkeeper David Raya’s shootout heroics and the team’s resilience in overcoming a competitive Porto side. Trossard, meanwhile, celebrated Arsenal’s progression with a tweet featuring celebratory pictures and the caption “QUARTER-FINALS!!” The match’s intensity and the subsequent exchanges between the teams underscored the high stakes and competitive spirit of European football.