Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 win over Sporting in Lisbon to put themselves in a strong position to progress to the Champions League semi-finals
22:21, 07 Apr 2026
Sporting Clube de Portugal v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg
View 2 Images
Kai Havertz was the saviour for Arsenal late on(Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will carry a narrow 1-0 lead back to north London following a laboured display against Portuguese side Sporting.
Kai Havertz emerged from the bench to crush Sporting's hopes with a stoppage-time winner, leaving Arsenal well-placed to reach the semi-finals. To the frustration of the travelling supporters and viewers worldwide, Arsenal continued in the same vein as their previous two matches... and not in a positive manner.
Within just five minutes, Maximiliano Araujo struck the woodwork with a fierce effort from the penalty area's edge - replays revealed returning goalkeeper David Raya managed to get fingertips to the ball.
Sporting Clube de Portugal v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg
View 2 Images
Martin Odegaard lacked a spark in the Arsenal midfield(Image: Getty)
Set-pieces, as expected, offered Arsenal's greatest menace, yet it proved another grinding display from the away side.
Martin Zubimendi did find the target midway through the second period with a delightful curled finish, though Viktor Gyokeres was in an offside position during the build-up.
Raya produced several excellent stops to maintain parity, before substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz combined brilliantly in stoppage time to secure Arsenal a dramatic victory. Daily Star Sportdelivers player ratings following the triumph.
David Raya, 8 - Had the Spanish shot-stopper featured in Arsenal's previous two fixtures, there's a case that they would have already secured silverware and remained in contention for all four trophies. A magnificent stop within the first five minutes preserved the deadlock, while his commanding presence elevates Arsenal considerably. Followed up with a couple more excellent saves towards the end.
Ben White, 5 - Talking of decline, there's certainly been one at right-back recently. Jurrien Timber has been amongst Arsenal's standout performers this campaign, but his replacement falls short of that standard. Appeared uncertain throughout the evening, reports the Express.
William Saliba , 6 - Seemed uncertain at times on the ball, but encountered minimal difficulties when required to defend against a rather blunt Sporting offensive.
Gabriel, 6 - Like his reliable centre-back colleague, the Brazilian remained composed whenever duty called in defensive situations. Will face considerably tougher challenges ahead if Arsenal are to achieve their ambitions.
Riccardo Calafiori, 5 - Arguably the most pressured of Arsenal's defensive line, with Suarez, Francisco Trincao and Geny Catamo combining effectively. Was given a torrid time for the opportunity that Suarez fashioned late on and would have felt fortunate to leave Lisbon without conceding.
Martin Zubimendi, 6 - Believed he had opened the scoring with an elegant strike from the box's edge, but the jubilation was short-lived when an offside during the build-up was confirmed.
Declan Rice, 6 - Kept the midfield engine running and was always ready to thwart Sporting's counterattacks. He is vital to Arsenal's game plan.
Martin Odegaard, 5 - Arsenal supporters must have been holding their breath when the captain appeared to suffer another injury during the second half. However, his influence on the match was minimal, and Arsenal missed Eberechi Eze's creativity in the attacking third.
Noni Madueke, 6 - With news that Bukayo Saka was out due to injury, he had an opportunity to make a mark and did find himself in some promising positions.
Viktor Gyokeres, 5 - He was too slow to get back onside for what could have been Zubimendi's opening goal, but he did make his presence felt at the front of the attack.
Leandro Trossard, 5 - Arteta stuck with the Belgian, and while his work ethic is unmatched in the Arsenal squad, the north London side needed more firepower upfront. The introduction of Gabriel Martinelli came too late.
Article continues below
Kai Havertz, 8 - He didn't contribute much before the goal, but his swift run and composed finish were all Arsenal needed to clinch the victory. One wonders what Arteta was thinking, given Gyokeres' continued struggles.
Max Dowman, 6 - He was an eager substitute and would have undoubtedly relished the experience.
Gabriel Martinelli, 7.