The Gunners will be looking to set up a semi-final tie with Atletico Madrid as they look to secure a win against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League
Tom Phillips
16:09, 15 Apr 2026
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Mikel Arteta will be looking to secure Arsenal's spot in the Champions League semi-final
Arsenal host Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates on Wednesday with a Champions League semi-final within reach — and the chance to make the last four in back-to-back seasons for the first time.
Mikel Arteta’s side carry a 1-0 lead into the second leg after a late breakthrough in Lisbon last week. Arsenal were largely subdued at the Estadio Jose Alvalade — where they had scored five during the 2024-25 league phase — but goalkeeper David Raya played a key role before substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz combined to snatch a stoppage-time winner.
The result leaves Arsenal well placed to progress and potentially set up a semi-final against Atletico Madrid or Barcelona, with Atletico currently the more likely. The Gunners also have history on their side: they’ve won 17 of their last 18 European two-legged ties after taking a first-leg lead away from home, and they are unbeaten in eight home European matches against Portuguese opposition (W6 D2, excluding shootouts).
Their domestic form is a concern, though. A 2-1 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday — a result that was widely viewed as deserved — allowed Manchester City to cut the gap at the top to six points with a game in hand, increasing the pressure ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Etihad. Arsenal have now lost three of their last four matches, matching the number of defeats they suffered across their first 49 games of the season.
Sporting arrive in stronger league form, extending their winning run with a 1-0 victory over Estrela Amadora, secured by Daniel Braganca’s fifth league goal of the campaign. Rui Borges’s side remain five points behind leaders Porto — who have played a game more — meaning the title is no longer in their control. With a derby against Benfica on Sunday, Sporting still have plenty on their plate, but their immediate focus must be on London.
European history, however, offers Sporting little encouragement. They have never overturned a one-goal first-leg defeat at home, and have been eliminated in 13 of their last 14 two-legged European ties after losing the first leg in Lisbon — the only exception coming against Brondby in the 2010-11 Europa League play-offs.
Even so, Sporting will believe they can trouble an Arsenal side that has shown signs of tiredness, particularly after creating openings in the first leg. And Arsenal fans will remember that Sporting won on penalties at the Emirates in the 2022-23 Europa League last 16.
Arsenal vs Sporting Betting Tips
Arsenal to win and both teams to score - 12/5 (BetGoodwin)
Bukayo Saka to score anytime - 9/5 (BetGoodwin)
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