Arsenal news as Porto set to take the game to Mikel Arteta’s side in crucial Champions League second-leg at the Emirates Stadium
Francisco Conceicao believes that Porto must find the net at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday to advance past Arsenal in the Champions League. Porto currently holds a slim 1-0 aggregate advantage in the last-16 matchup, courtesy of Galeno’s late winner at the Estadio do Dragao last month.
Facing an Arsenal squad in fine form and sitting atop the Premier League table, Conceicao, son of Porto head coach Sergio Conceicao, suggested that adopting a defensive strategy and aiming for a goalless draw to progress would not be the optimal approach for the visitors in the crucial second leg.
“On the eve of the match,” he remarked, “Only by scoring in the second leg here can we secure passage through the tie. Arsenal poses a formidable challenge. Our intention is to secure a victory because we are a strong team and strive to emerge triumphant.
“Arsenal pursues significant achievements, but our focus is primarily on our squad and the efforts needed to secure victory. To advance to the quarter-finals, we must replicate the performance of a formidable FC Porto, as seen in the first leg. We are well-prepared and approach the game with determination, confident that the right mindset will lead us to success.”
After the first leg, Sergio Conceicao stated that Arsenal “wanted to play” and Porto “wanted to win.” The Gunners have been playing at their highest level at home, despite failing to register a shot on goal in Portugal.
Conceicao’s son thinks that Tuesday’s match provides the former Portugal midfielder with an opportunity to demonstrate his status as one of the game’s best managers. “Sergio Conceicao is one of the best coaches in the world, he has proven this a long time ago and I know that time will prove me right,” said Francisco.
“We know that we have to have a lot of personality and character because we are playing the second leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League and only a team similar to the first leg in terms of attitude and aggression can achieve a good result.
“I’m very happy, it shows on the field. Even more so for being able to play in the round of 16 of the Champions League. We hope to win the game tomorrow so that this moment of happiness continues.”
