FC Porto veteran defender Pepe praised his team's handling of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

The Norway attacking midfielder put in a measured display in midfield as the Gunners beat Porto in the Champions League round of 16 on penalties.

After the tie was at 1-1 after extra time and two legs, Arsenal won on penalties at Pepe's expense.

"Both teams worked hard, we neutralized Arsenal's game a lot, we can't forget that they are a great team and that they score a lot of goals in the Premier League," Pepe said soon after the match.

"We came here to play our game, we neutralized Odegaard's game between the lines.

“The team had a very mature attitude on the field, knowing what they were doing, but unfortunately we couldn't score. The game went to extra time and then on penalties they had that extra point."