Emmanuel Adebayor’s fabulous overhead effort canceled out an equally spectacular strike from Marcos Senna to put Arsenal FC in a strong position in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Villarreal CF. The Spanish side, keen to erase the memories of their semi-final defeat against these opponents three years ago, started with electric pace and took the lead ten minutes in, Senna unleashing an unstoppable drive from 25 metres.

Arsenal lost goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and William Gallas to injury before the first half was over, but for the third time in as many meetings the Yellow Submarine could not quite impose themselves on the Arsenal, Adebayor’s instinctive effort midway through the second period giving the visitors a priceless away goal to take into next week’s return to north London.

Despite their domination of the first-half, Villarreal began the second period looking edgy. Arsène Wenger pushed Nasri, Fàbregas and Theo Walcott closer to sole striker Adebayor and as a result Villarreal’s back four found their work steadily increasing. Fàbregas had set up Adebayor for two goals against Manchester City FC on Saturday and provided another assist with a flighted pass on to the striker’s chest, the Togo striker beating López with a delightful overhead kick. Kolo Touré, author of the winning goal the last time the sides met, made a telling contribution again with ten minutes left, sliding in to deny Guille Franco, before Senna sent in another thunderous drive that flew centimetres too high.

Villarreal maintain their unbeaten home record in this competition but, as in the last round against Panathinaikos FC, will have to do the hard work away from El Madrigal.