Arsenal were on the brink of crashing out of the Europa League.
And that would have been a nightmare scenario for Gunners manager Mikel Arteta who admitted ahead of the second leg tie against Benfica that his side need to be in Europe - preferably in the Champions League.
"Well huge, because the club has to be represented in Europe, that’s 100%," the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference. "And ideally obviously in the Champions League.
"The thing is that the competition in this league now it’s so big that a few teams who took this for granted for many, many years it’s not the case anymore.
"So now the Europa League becomes a huge competition. If you see how the competition has evolved in the last four or five years with the teams involved, you will say that it’s another Champions League competition even if people doesn’t treat it that way.
"For us it’s vital. We want to carry on playing in the competition.
"It’s a trophy and we’re gonna go for it."
Arsenal's chances of going for the Europa League trophy were hanging by a thread in the 87th minute with the score at 2-2 and Benfica set to progress by virtue of the away goals rule.
However, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saved his side's blushes by heading home at the back post to send the Gunners into the round of 16.
But while Aubameyang's impact is great news for the north London outfit, many fans have praised Bukayo Saka's role in the goal.
The teenager, who set up the 31-year-old's first-half opener with a brilliant pass, put the ball on a plate for the striker with a fantastic cross - and supporters have had some kind words for the wonderkid.
Take a look at what's been said on Twitter...
@ChiefNez said: "Saka is massive for us. Truly had an amazing game."
@TheGoneGoon1 said: "Saka is top 5 young players ITW."
@GoonerSam93 said: "That ball by Saka was pure."
