It was a good night all round for Arsenal fans on Wednesday, and on-loan goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny gives us another reason to celebrate.
While the Gunners were defying the odds to beat Olympiacos 3-0 away from home, Polish goalkeeper Szczesny was lining up for the Italians in Rome.
Level on points with Bayer Leverkusen and just one point clear of opponents BATE Borisov before the games on Wednesday, the Italian giants knew a drew would probably be enough to send them through.
Leverkusen managed to draw at home against Barcelona, meaning a draw was indeed enough, and Szczesny pulled off a fantastic stop to keep the scores level at 0-0.
Szczęsny pulled off a Čech vs Benteke to keep Roma in the Champions league. What an absolute hero. pic.twitter.com/uW6Dmac4g2
— Team McGregor (@RamseyReborn) December 9, 2015
What a save! Szczesny has faced some criticism in Italy but he is capable of world class moments like that save, which has kept his side in Europe.
Szczęsny, @ASRomaEN: “The most important thing tonight was to qualify. We didn’t show beautiful football but we are through.” #UCL — Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 9, 2015
Roma will be hoping for better performances in the knockout rounds, but their first Champions League clean sheet in 28 attempts was largely thanks to one man.
After finishing second in their group they can’t face Arsenal in the round of 16, but maybe Arsenal will meet Szczesny – who would be eligible to play – later in the competition.