Arsenal fans will remember comments made by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa after his Euro 2024 penalty shootout heroics.

Diogo Costa became the first goalkeeper in European Championships history to save three penalties in a single shootout as Portugal knocked out Slovenia on Monday evening.

The 24-year-old pulled off this trio of stops consecutively to allow his side to cruise through the shootout, winning 3-0. It was an anti-climactic end to the evening for Slovenia, who had fought so hard for 120 minutes to maintain their clean sheet.

Arsenal have already faced-off against Costa in a penalty shootout, but on that occasion they were able to get the best of the Porto shot-stopper.

Arsenal took on Porto in the Champions League last season at the last-16 stage. The two-legged affair between the Gunners and the Portuguese side ended all-square, requiring a penalty shootout to separate them.

On that occasion, David Raya was the hero, as he kept out two spot kicks. Costa could not bring the heroics that night, as Porto crashed out of the competition. Raya has since spoken out about how much that moment meant to him. 

Portugal Euro 2024 icon Diogo Costa has taken aim at Arsenal in the past

Ahead of the continental clash between Arsenal and Porto, Costa gave his verdict on the North London club.

As quoted by The Sun, Costa sent a warning to the Gunners prior to the meeting between the two sides. He said: “We are prepared for everything Arsenal can do, both offensively and defensively.

“Everyone has their weaknesses, they haven’t faced FC Porto yet and they will certainly have their difficulties.

“It’s a very offensive team with some weaknesses that we will exploit to the fullest and we will do everything we can to come out with the victory.

“They have weaknesses, of course I won’t say what they are, but I guarantee that we will do our best to win. If they are favourites they have to demonstrate it.”

Ultimately, Porto were able to run Arsenal close, but when it came to the penalty shootout, Raya was able to give Mikel Arteta’s side the edge, whilst Costa came off decidedly second-best in his showdown with the Gunners’ penalty takers.

Arsenal still face goalkeeper woes this summer

Whilst Raya is set to remain at Arsenal and serve as the club’s No. 1, Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave the club this summer.

If the England man does indeed depart, then Arteta will need to source a new back-up option between the sticks. 

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