Sporting should have won the 1st leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon. But it was not to be as David Raya stood like a wall and protected Arsenal in a Man of the Match performance two nights ago.
Arsenal had two unpleasant defeats before travelling to Portugal. The losses must have preyed on their mind, but the Gunners, unbeaten in the Champions League this season, had to keep a clean record as they took the field against a very talented Sporting side.
Left back Araujo fired in a terrific shot to hit the crossbar as Sporting began on a positive note. Arsenal were not subdued either, with Madueke displaying great energy and combining well with Trossard, Zubimendi and Gyökeres. But the goal was difficult to achieve.
READ Arsenal Face Sporting in UEFA CL QF 1st Leg
In the second half, the match picked up a searing pace with both teams crossing swords to outdo the other. David Raya played exceptionally well in front of the goal, blocking every move and making some exquisite saves in the process. He stopped a certain goal from a Sporting header just before the regulation time ended.
Kai Havertz came off the bench, which changed Arsenal’s fortunes. In stoppage time, Martinelli played a brilliant pass to Havertz lurking in the box. The German controlled the ball magnificently, stabilised his body in that split second and then served a composed finish to silence the Stadium.
Arsenal held on for the next couple of minutes to win 1-0 and maintain their winning record in the Champions League 2025-26.
It was a tough victory for the Gunners, and though the lead is not much, Arsenal would surely be favourites against Sporting in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week.
Lack of finishing cost Sporting the game, and they will have to take all their chances when they travel to Arsenal for the second leg.
There was not much to choose between the two sides, just that Kai Havertz produced a great finish when it really mattered.
Big relief for Mikel Arteta, indeed.
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