- Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya embrace during celebrations in win over Porto
- Raya saved two spot kicks as the Gunners progressed to the quarter-finals
- It was huge for Arsenal to find a way of beating Brentford – so many things are bouncing their way right now- Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Aaron Ramsdale proved their nothing but love between and goalkeeping rival David Raya, as Arsenal celebrated reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.
Raya was the Arsenal hero as he saved two spot kicks in the penalty shootout after the Gunners had levelled the tie on the night.
After the Spaniard has saved Porto’s final penalty from Galeno, wild celebrations ensued around the Emirates, with Raya at the centre of it.
Chief and first among the celebrations was his goalkeeping colleague, Aaron Ramsdale, who greeted his teammate with a massive hug, much to the delight of the Arsenal fans.
The two goalkeepers have been vying for the number one spot since Raya’s arrival from Brentford, but their rivalry was put to one side as they celebrated a famous Arsenal win.
Upon seeing the embrace, fans were quick to take to social media and comment on the moment the two Arsenal stoppers celebrated together.
‘Raya and Ramsale. Tears in my eyes.’ One post read. While another praised the team spirit in the Arsenal camp by saying; ‘Aaron Ramsdale the first player off the Arsenal bench to congratulate shootout hero David Raya — the man who took his place in the team.
‘That kind of team unity you can’t buy. You can’t command it. It has to be nurtured & unleashed in massive moments like this.’
A similar sentiment was echoed by other accounts, with one posting; ‘Aaron Ramsdale was one of the first players to run over to David Raya after his heroics in the shootout got Arsenal past FC Porto in the Champions League. I love this team.’
While another said; ‘Aaron Ramsdale was the first to run and hug David Raya after his heroic save vs Porto. Unity. Passion. Dedication. Support and love for the badge. On to the next round.’
However, there were still some Ramsdale detractors despite his huge public show of respect for Raya.
One post stated; ‘Probably the worst 4 days imaginable for Aaron Ramsdale.’ Making reference to Raya’s performance and Ramsdale’s display last weekend where he was at fault for Brentford’s goal in the 2-1 win over the Bees.
Another account went as far to post a meme showing a cartoon smiling face covering an angry face, suggesting that Ramsdale’s show of unity may not have been completely genuine.
Leandro Trossard scored the vital goal that levelled the last 16 tie, and after neither side could find a winner after extra time, it was up to Raya to see Arsenal through to their first Champions League quarter-final since 2010.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
