Arsenal get vital away draw in Europa League last 16 clash with Benfica

- Benfica vs Arsenal ended 1-1 at the Stadio Olimpico in a Europa League last 32 game

- Pizzi scored a spot-kick while Bukayo Saka equalized for the Gunners as they shared the spoils

- The second leg will hold at the Emirates in a fortnight as Mikel Arteta's side have a priceless away goal

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Bukayo Saka scored a crucial away goal as Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw with Benfica in their round of 32 Europa League first-leg contest.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang missed a sitter from a well-taken cross from Hector Bellerin as the ball went wide in the 19th minute.

Darwin Nunez also brought out the best in Bernd Leno as both sides went into the break with a 0-0 scoreline at half-time.

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Saka made a lovely run into the 18-yard area of Benfica and drew a fine save from Helton Leite in the opening seven minutes of the second half.

The home side then took the lead from a Pizzi's penalty after Emile Smith-Rowe handled the ball inside the penalty area and the Englishman was cautioned by the referee.

The lead only lasted for two minutes as Cederic Soares gave unmarked Saka who had an easy tap-in to level the scores at 1-1.

Rafa Silva's 62nd-minute effort was saved by Leno and Everton also tried a curling shot but could not hit the target.

The Gunners now take a precious away goal back to the Emirates as they host their Portuguese counterpart in the next two weeks.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has been tipped to become the next manager of Championship side Bournemouth, Daily Mail.

The Cherries have been without a manager since the sacking of Jason Tindall earlier in the month and the current boss of Montreal Impact boss is among the candidates vying for the position.

Henry's former teammate Patrick Vieira and former Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner are also in the running for the top job.

Akan Anwankwo is a sports editor with Legit.ng and has 7 years of field and office experience. He graduated from the University of Lagos in 2014 with a Bachelors degree in English and Literature Studies. Akan intends to educate, inform and make readers passionate about sports. Learn more about him on his Twitter handle: @ anwankwo_akan