William Saliba’s reaction speaks volumes after Arsenal end 14-year Champions League misery

William Saliba has helped Arsenal reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal defeated Portuguese powerhouse Porto in a thrilling penalty shootout to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals, and it seems William Saliba was affected by the moment.

William Saliba broke into a flurry of celebrations when Arsenal broke their Champions League curse.

The North London team defeated Porto on penalties shootout to advance to the competition’s quarterfinals. Leandro Trossard’s goal tied the score at one with the Gunners, who had won 1-0 on the evening.

David Raya secured a 4-2 victory by stopping spot kicks from Galeno and Wendell. With the victory, Arsenal has advanced to the final eight of the Champions League for the first time in their fourteen-year history.

They attempted that once before, during the 2009–10 season, but Barcelona ultimately put an end to them. They have since been eliminated from the Champions League seven times at the round of sixteen, and this season was their first participation since 2017.

After the confirmation of the outcome, Saliba allowed his feelings to overwhelm him. He broke away from the group to celebrate in a huddle with Raya while the vast majority of his teammates joined in.

The Frenchman made a wild gesture to the fans, raising his arms in the air and pointing to the Arsenal badge in an attempt to get more noise. After that, he went back to join his teammates in celebrating.

Saliba and the rest of the Arsenal team will undoubtedly be watching Friday’s quarterfinals draw. The Gunners’ next opponents could be Bayern Munich, PSG, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Barcelona, as they have all guaranteed their spots in the draw.

Manager Mikel Arteta said the following regarding the Champions League and the Gunners’ victory over Porto: “It has been 14 years, which is a long time for a club like Arsenal and it shows how difficult it was.”

William Saliba celebrated wildly after Arsenal’s Champions League win against Porto ( Image: Getty Images)

“To find the pivotal moment at the end, we had to really work hard at it. We were all pushing to finish, and together we succeeded, and now the stadium is filled with an incredible energy.”

“It’s another big step, especially as a club,” the Spaniard said when asked if his team could win the competition this year. We haven’t participated in this competition for seven years, and we haven’t advanced this far in 14 years. That indicates the level of difficulty. Without a doubt, we want more and we will pursue it.

In my opinion, it’s still quite far. I’m going to sit at home now, look at the other teams we have to play, and begin the process of climbing yet another massive mountain.

This weekend is a break for Arsenal. The Blues were supposed to play Chelsea, but they are currently playing Championship leaders Leicester in the FA Cup.