Aaron Ramsdale reaction speaks volumes after David Raya heroics help Arsenal beat Porto

David Raya made two penalty shoot-out stops against Porto (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal advanced to the Champions League round of eight under extremely dramatic circumstances thanks to two penalties saved by David Raya in a shoot-out victory over Porto.

Despite losing his starting position to the Spaniard, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale showed his support for David Raya by giving him a hearty hug following the game against Porto.

After joining on loan from Brentford, Raya took Ramsdale’s spot as the starting quarterback for the whole previous season. The team advanced to the quarterfinals after the new first-choice goalie stopped penalties from Wendell and Galeno on Tuesday against Porto.

Ramsdale, who gave Brentford a goal in their Premier League encounter on Saturday, has had a difficult week. But before winning in a shootout, Arsenal had already defeated Porto 1-0 in ninety minutes.

After the game, Bukayo Saka, among others, was all praise for Raya. Additionally, Ramsdale showed the team spirit that permeates Mikel Arteta’s group by rushing to congratulate his fellow keeper.

“Porto deserves a lot of credit for keeping Arsenal frustrated tonight, but David Raya is the real MVP of the game in those crucial moments. Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal player, told BBC Radio 5 Live, “He made two fantastic saves.”

Aaron Ramsdale was the first person to arrive and congratulate him. It merely demonstrates the camaraderie among the group, a culture that Mikel Arteta established.”

Raya had revealed the “very good” relationship the two were having back in October. “Ultimately, what matters most is that we are friends,” he stated to The Athletic. We’re in a really good relationship. Nothing is wrong.

David Raya was embraced by Aaron Ramsdale after the final whistle ( Image: Twitter/footballontnt)

“Obviously, it’s a great feeling for me personally,” Raya said following the match to TNT Sports. “It’s the club’s first time participating in the Champions League and qualifying for the quarterfinals in a long time.

“We got off to a great start in the game. It came down to penalties even though we dominated and created chances. This year, we’ve focused a lot on penalties, and the team’s and the goalie coach’s diligent work has paid off.

“A wonderful time for everyone involved. I’m ecstatic to have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League by saving two penalties. They played their game and made things so difficult for us over there, but we managed to score the goal we needed, and it came down to penalties—what an incredible moment.”