Pepe says Porto had a plan to stop an Arsenal player after losing to them in the Champions League.

Pepe, a player for Arsenal, recently reflected on their shootout victory over Porto in the Champions League. He admitted that luck played a role in their win and that Porto had specifically targeted Martin Odegaard, Arsenal's captain, in an attempt to neutralize his impact on the game.

Although Porto had won the first leg 1-0, a goal from Leandro Trossard at the Emirates Stadium tied the aggregate score. With no winner after 120 minutes, the game went to penalties where Arsenal emerged victorious thanks to two saves from their goalkeeper, David Raya.

Pepe, who put in a solid defensive performance for Porto, expressed his gratitude to the fans and acknowledged the disappointment of being eliminated from the competition. He praised his teammates for following their coach's instructions and creating difficulties for Arsenal, but also recognized that they could have been more clinical in front of goal.

The 38-year-old defender also highlighted the strength of Arsenal as a team and their ability to score goals in the Premier League. Porto's game plan was to neutralize Odegaard's influence, but they were ultimately unable to prevent Arsenal from scoring. Pepe attributed this to a bit of luck on Arsenal's part.

When asked how Porto could have avoided a penalty shootout, Pepe replied that they needed to resolve the game in regulation time. He acknowledged that they had chances to score but were unable to convert. Pepe also acknowledged the physical toll of playing 120 minutes and praised his teammates and the fans for their efforts.

At 41 years old, Pepe continues to play at a high level and credits his passion and dedication to the sport for his longevity. He is grateful to have the opportunity to do what he loves and takes great care of himself to stay fit and able to compete at the highest level.

In the end, Pepe reminded everyone to lift their heads, move forward, and learn from this experience. He believes that with the support of their fans, Porto can bounce back and continue to compete at the highest level.

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