Sporting CP goalscorer Pedro Goncalves mocked Arsenal by doing Granit Xhaka's celebration after penalty shoot-out win

Sporting CP hero Pedro Goncalves brutally mocked Granit Xhaka after knocking Arsenal out of the Europa League on penalties.

After a pulsating round of 16 first leg in Lisbon finished 2-2, the two sides locked horns at the Emirates on Thursday night and it was Arsenal who drew first blood courtesy of Xhaka in the 19th minute.

But just after the hour mark, Goncalves scored one of the goals of the season - chipping Aaron Ramsdale from 46 yards out to level the game and the tie.

Despite a red card for Manuel Ugarte late in extra time, the clash went all the penalties - where only Gabriel Martinelli missed from 12 yards.

Sporting celebrated wildly with their away fans after knocking out the Premier League leaders and Goncalves, after channelling his inner David Beckham, decided to imitate Xhaka at the final whistle.

He copied the Swiss international's celebration he used in the same game as he enjoyed the scenes with the travelling supporters.

Xhaka, wearing the captain's armband put his right hand in the air and brought his thumb to his nose. Goncalves, who made just one appearance for Wolves in the Carabao Cup, couldn't resist a dig at the former Borussia Monchengladbach.

The gesture becomes even more savage when you learn that Xhaka was doing the celebration for his daughter Ayana - with his wife posting a picture of her on Instagram doing it in unison.

One fan remarked: "Pedro Goncalves mocking Xhaka’s stupid celebration, I love it."

A second said: "Pedro Gonçalves mocking Xhaka was jokes I can’t lie."

A third fumed: "Pedro Goncalves mimicking Granit Xhaka’s celebration for his daughter. What a nasty piece of work."

A fourth weighed in: "Pedro Gonçalves has no chill. Imitating Xhaka's goal celebration earlier in the game. Great goal though."

A final user tweeted: "Pedro Goncalves saying bye to Arsenal with Xhaka’s celebration."

Sporting are in the hat for the final eight, where they could face the likes of Manchester United, Roma, Juventus or Feyenoord.

Arsenal will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host Crystal Palace at the Emirates.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy & BT Sport

Topics: Sporting CP, Arsenal, Europa League

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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