Pepe, the FC Porto defender, has disclosed that their focus was on nullifying Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, in the recent Champions League encounter.
In the first leg, Porto emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline. However, Leandro Trossard’s goal in the first half at the Emirates Stadium equalized the aggregate score in the return leg.
With both teams deadlocked after 120 minutes, the match went into a penalty shootout.
David Raya’s heroics in saving two penalties played a crucial role in Arsenal’s advancement to the quarter-finals.
Reflecting on the game, Pepe acknowledged their strategy to contain Odegaard, the playmaker who set up Trossard’s goal.
He shared with DAZN, “We were aware of Arsenal’s prowess as a top team. They are prolific goal-scorers in the Premier League.”
Pepe added, “Our tactics were focused on disrupting Odegaard’s influence in the midfield. We had a game plan, but unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize. Sometimes, luck factors in.”