Denilson: Arsenal "have to win" Champions League

Arsenal's 5-0 trouncing of Porto on Tuesday night has given Arsenal real hope of securing their first Champions League title according to Denilson, who is adamant the Gunners "have to win" the competition.

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Arsenal celebrate their victory over Porto on Tuesday

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Arsenal made light of their 2-1 first-leg deficit when tearing Porto apart at Emirates Stadium, with Nicklas Bendtner scoring a hat-trick and Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Eboue also beating Porto 'keeper Helton to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

While Arsenal's record in Europe is underwhelming under Arsene Wenger - with a defeat to Barcelona in the 2006 final the closest they have come to winning the Champions League - the style of their victory demands that they be considered contenders to be crowned champions of Europe.

And while the club have not won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, Denilson, who appeared as a 73rd-minute substitute against Porto, is determined to address that record. Indeed, the result has given the squad a real lift as they go in search of silverware, according to the Brazilian midfielder.

"Does that performance give us hope that we can win the competition? Yes I think so," Denilson said. "We are enjoying playing as well and you saw it was an amazing game. We scored five goals and played very, very well.

"It is an amazing time for us because when we started the season, the Champions League was a big goal for us. Now I think we are in a strong position and we will continue to fight, to play and to train. We have to win. I think this season we have to win."

The Porto game was a redemptive moment for Bendtner, who responded to criticism following an error-strewn performance against Burnley at the weekend by scoring his first hat-trick for Arsenal. The Denmark international's progress has been hampered by injury this season but Denilson has praised his colleague for the influence he has on the side.

"I think he is very important for us as a striker, because he is bigger and taller," Denilson said. "For a midfielder it is good because you just look for him and he is a good opportunity to score.

"He showed how much he is important for us and scored three goals. Last Saturday was difficult for him because he lost many, many goals and opportunities, but [against Porto] he scored three goals."

France international Nasri was another player to emerge in credit after scoring a brilliant solo effort in the second half and excelling when deputising for Cesc Fabregas in a central role. Denilson celebrated the goal exuberantly when warming up on the touchline and was fulsome in his praise in the aftermath of victory.

"An amazing, amazing goal," Denilson said. "The most amazing goal in the Champions League this season for me. It doesn't matter who is playing. Cesc didn't play tonight, but Samir has come and played in Cesc's position and showed as well he is very important for us."