Arsenal take on Sporting CP in Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final
Arsenal take on Sporting CP in Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final
Arsenal take on Sporting CP at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, looking to take a strong result back to the Emirates. Mikel Arteta needs a response from his players after back-to-back defeats in the League Cup and FA Cup.
It has narrowed Arsenal’s view of their potential winnings this season, with a strong grip on the Premier League but a chance of European glory just five games away. There are some players returning with Gabriel Magalhaes overcoming his knock at Southampton and both Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard making the trip.
Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber, however, are still not yet fit and pushing for a return in the not-so-distant future. The big storyline will be Viktor Gyokeres, however, as he faces his former club with expectations over his reception mixed so far.
Tom Canton, our Arsenal reporter, is at the Jose Alvalade Stadium and will bring you all the latest news and updates as it happens...
Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey announces retirement after glittering career
Former Arsenal star has announced his retirement from professional football. The central midfielder has called time on a distinguished career that saw him play a pivotal part in Wales' journey to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, earning a spot in UEFA's team of the tournament.
He also netted the decisive goal in two FA Cup finals with Arsenal, where he spent over a decade. The 35-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Mexican side Pumas in December, having not featured for the club since September.
A combination of limited first-team action and injury issues meant the midfielder had
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Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has retired from football.
Shearer on who will win the Champions League
I think it'll be Arsenal or Bayern Munich that win the Champions League this year. I've seen every team this season. I've been to most grounds in Europe, and those two, without doubt, have been the standout.
Bayern and Arsenal have performed consistently nearly every week, but there's a reason why Real Madrid have such a history in this competition, because they come alive now.
I've seen them a couple of times, and I've worked in the grounds a couple of times with them. Real Madrid haven't impressed me, but obviously, you have to be impressed by how they work in this competition. And normally, come March or April, they come alive, and that's why they're the most successful team in the competition.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich have to try and get over that, they probably are the teams to beat, Bayern Munich and Arsenal have definitely been the standouts in the competition.
However, Real Madrid live for this competition. They get judged on this competition. No other team really gets judged. That's their history, and their history tells you that."
Arsenal stars could face Champions League BAN as UEFA rules explained for those at risk
andare just one yellow card away from serving a ban going into tonight.
The Gunners face Sporting at the Jose Alvalade Stadium looking to take an advantage home to north London and put one foot in the semi final of Europe's elite club competition.
But Zubimendi and Norgaard are the two Arsenal players running a suspension tightrope with both one booking from getting banned for the second leg on Wednesday, April 15.
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal walks out before the Carabao Cup Final match Arsenal and between Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal team confirmed
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Ranson, Lewis-Skelly, Salmon, Mosquera, Norgaard, Martinelli, Dowman, Havertz, Jesus, Harriman-Annous.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Sporting CP as Declan Rice recovers to start with two others
Arsenal take on Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon. The Gunners will be aiming to reach back-to-back semi-finals in the competition for the first time in their history.
Mikel Arteta has welcomed back some of his key players to the squad after the international break proved a challenging fortnight for some. Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard have returned to training, while Gabriel Magalhaes also trained despite coming off against Southampton.
Yet there remain some key players missing, including Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber. Viktor Gyokeres returns to face his former club, having left in contentious circumstances less than a year ago.
Read who football.london predicts will start .
Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice could both start for Arsenal against Sporting CP (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gyokeres reaction
Viktor Gyokeres was clapped by Sporting CP fans as he came off the bus as the Arsenal team arrive at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal vs Sporting CP, injury news, Gyokeres and bouncing back
Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of his Arsenal side’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Sporting CP in Lisbon. The Gunners have the chance to respond after two difficult performances that have seen their potential trophy aims drop from four to two.
There are several players the manager was asked for updates on as the Spaniard gets some back into the squad after recovering from injuries. However, some sadly did not make the trip.
Viktor Gyokeres was naturally a big focus, considering he will play against his former club. The Arsenal coach gave his thoughts on the player and why they signed him too.
Read every word Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference .
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, speaks to the media in a pre-match press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with Sporting CP (Image: Alexander Hassenstein - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Welcome - your chance to win Champions League tickets!
Hello and welcome to football.london for live coverage of Arsenal's clash with Sporting CP at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. Tom Canton is in Lisbon this evening to bring you live updates.
Champions League official sports betting partner have priced up tonight's game with Arsenal favourites at 5/6 with Sporting 16/5. A draw is available at 27/10.
Arsenal fans can enter the to win match tickets to UCL games up to and including the final in Budapest!
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