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Arsenal are out of the Europa League following a penalty shootout loss to Sporting CP who were inspired by 35-year-old goalkeeper Antonio Adan
Sporting Lisbon have pulled a massive upset by knocking Arsenal out of the Europa League with a 5-3 win via penalty shootout.
Both teams played out a gruelling 90 minutes which ended 1-1, followed by extra time and when the game eventually went to penalties, the visitors were ready.
The Portuguese team were inspired by goalkeeper Antonio Adan who made several important saves in 120 minutes of play after which he then stopped Gabriel Martinelli's penalty in the shootout to seal a 5-3 win.
Arsenal 1-1 Sporting Lisbon
Arsenal had hoped for a strong start to the game but were met by an anti-climactic turn of events when Japanese full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu pulled up injured after just nine minutes and was replaced by Ben White.
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The Gunners took the lead after 19 minutes when Granit Xhaka turned home the rebound after Martinelli's shot had been saved.
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However, the Gunners' seeming routine home win was halted moments later when Wiliam Saliba also got injured and could not continue to be replaced by Rob Holding.
Sporting began the second half stronger and their endeavour was rewarded in stunning fashion when Pedro Goncalves unleashed an effort from just inside Arsenal’s half which looped over the helpless Aaron Ramsdale to make it 1-1 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate with a goal of the tournament contender.
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Arsenal lost control and Sporting grew further into the game as Paulinho glanced a header just over the bar from a corner, before Marcus Edwards was denied in a one-on-one situation by Ramsdale.
Adan was called into action towards the end of the 90 but he repelled Arsenal's attempts to ensure 30 more minutes of football followed.
Antonio Adan the hero for Sporting in extra time and penalties
Arsenal benefited from the break as they regained composure and Sporting again began to soak up pressure with 35-year-old Adan proved unbeatable in goal.
The Spanish goalkeeper denied Leandro Trossard impressively but an even bigger save followed late in extra time when he saved spectacularly from Gabriel's header.
The game went to penalties after an enthralling 120 minutes of football and both teams proved clinical from 12 yards up until Arsenal's fourth kick,
With Sporting leading 4-3 on penalties, Adan saved Martinelli's effort leaving Nuno Santos with a golden opportunity to win it for Sporting which he did by converting to end the game 5-3 on penalties Sporting's favour.
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