Arsenal beat Celta Vigo in battle of the Edus

A late strike by Robert Pires gave Arsenal a pulsating 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo after his side had twice squandered the lead in the Champions League's first knockout round on Tuesday.

Brazilian midfielder Edu twice gave Arsenal the lead in the first leg tie, but Celta levelled within 10 minutes each time -- first through their own Brazilian midfielder Luis Edu and then Jose Ignacio.

But winger Pires linked up neatly with France team mate Thierry Henry deep inside the Celta penalty area in the 80th minute before stroking the ball past keeper Pablo Cavallero.

Arsenal enjoyed plenty of possession against a sharp Spanish side but looked to have paid the penalty for slack defending after conceding two goals from dead-ball moves.

But the victory and their three away goals will give Arsenal a clear advantage for the second leg at Highbury in a fortnight's time as they bid to reach the quarter-finals.