Celta De Vigo 2 - 3 Arsenal

WHEW!!!

2 - 3

A match in which Arsenal were heavily favored to win, proved much more difficult than expected. However, Arsenal proved their mettle once again, and came out 3-2 winners over Celta De Vigo in their opening match of the knockout stage of the European Champions League in Vigo tonight. It was the first win on Spanish soil in Arsenal history, and puts the Gunners in great position to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in three years.

Arsenal were definitely not at their best tonight, with defensive frailities against set pieces being the cause of both Celta goals this evening.

It was an evening of Edus, as both Arsenal’s and Celta’s Edus scored for their respective clubs.

Arsenal’s Edu opened the scoring in the 18th minute, latching on to a loose ball after a Freddie Ljungberg free kick. However, his namesake from Celta drew his side level with a header into the top right-hand corner of the net, the result of a pin-point free kick by former Arsenal man Silvinhio.

So, level at the half, both sides game out raring to go in the second half, with Celta going close to taking the lead after only a few seconds; Russian striker Alexander Motsovoi smashing his header into the crossbar from another perfect Silvinhio free-kick.

Then, in the 58th minute, the Edu wearing red scored what is sure to be a finalist for goal of the year. His mazy run and blistering shot gave Celta no chance. 2-1 to the Arsenal, and the Gunners were in a good position for the return leg at Highbury in two-weeks time.

It turns out that two goals were not going to be enough, because once again, Arsenal surrendered yet another set piece - this time a corner - that let Celta draw even.

It was at this point that Arsenal’s stars began to put it into overdrive. Finally, in the 80th minute, Super Bobby Pires and Thierry Henry completed a beautiful give and go which Pires converted, giving Arsenal the 3-2 victory.

We now must wait two weeks unitl the two sides meet again at Highbury on Wednesday, March 10 @ 2:45 PM. That means that for now, our attention returns once again to the Premiership, where Arsenal face Charlton at Highbury on Saturday at 10 AM ET. The match is being shown LIVE on PPV here in the US. - NICE