Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has claimed the character shown in Arsenal's late win was "an example for the future"
The Gabon star scored two of his side's three as they battled to a late victory in Athens.
Benfica looked to be heading through courtesy of away goals before Aubameyang nodded home an 87th minute winner.
The Gunners had found themselves 2-1 down in the second-half and in need of two goals to progress.
Kieran Tierney fired home their second before Bukayo Saka found Aubameyang at the back post late on.
And the Arsenal frontman insists the qualities they showed tonight will be carried forward.
“Definitely we did it the hard way)," he said on BT Sport. "I think the team showed a lot of character and I think we deserved the win.
“It was a hard game but tonight really happy for all the team.
“What we showed tonight, I think it’s going to be an example for the future.”
Arsenal were the better team for large periods, but their dominance almost counted for nothing.
They went crashing out at this stage last season as Olympiakos secured a shock victory.
Aubameyang was keen to learn from their past failures though and confessed that it had served as a motivating factor.
“I think everyone is happy tonight and definitely I had this in my head," he added.
“But this is what gives me power every day. Take the error from the past and transform it to strength.
“Tonight I’m really happy that we won the game.”
Dani Ceballos will also have been relieved to see his side come back from behind.
His mistimed header allowed the Portuguese side to race clear with Rafa Silva rounding Bernd Leno and scoring.
