What they said after Champions League last 16 ties
Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper #22 David Raya and teammates celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out session of the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Arsenal and Porto FC at the Arsenal Stadium in north London, on March 12, 2024. PHOTO/AFP
What you need to know:
- Barcelona survived a nervy second half to beat Napoli 3-1 on Tuesday and reach the Champions League quarter-finals 4-2 on aggregate.
- Arsenal edged out Porto on penalties to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
Key quotes from the UEFA Champions League last-16 second legs on Tuesday between Barcelona and Napoli, and Arsenal and Porto:
"Obviously it's a great feeling for me personally, first time in the Champions League and for the club to get into the quarter-finals for the first time in so many years."
-- Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya after their win over Porto on penalties.
"We've worked a lot on penalties this year and all the hard work with the goalie coach and the team has paid off.
"A great moment personally and collectively."
-- Raya after saving two spot-kicks in the shoot-out.
"I don't think that people believed me when I said I was certain that my announcement would liberate the players. Now, we've shown that we are competitive in Europe."
-- Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, who will stand down at the end of the season.
"It was an incredible night, (it's been) four years without getting where we belong, where the club deserves to be.
"The fans backed us -- they are very important."
-- Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto after their 3-1 win secured a 4-2 aggregate victory.
"That's four years this club has waited to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League -- this means real joy for the squad, the coach, the injured players, the fans."
-- Barcelona goalscorer Fermin Lopez.
"The game had different phases, we did well at times and almost equalised. Of course, if you lose, it means something didn't work. We were ready to face a strong opponent, but we made too many mistakes."
