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Arsenal left it late but secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in Lisbon, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time strike from Kai Havertz in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Just when the tie looked destined for a stalemate, Havertz came off the bench to fire home in the 91st minute after being set up by fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli, handing the visitors a slender but valuable advantage ahead of the return leg in London.
Before that late breakthrough, Arsenal had to rely heavily on goalkeeper David Raya, who delivered a standout performance.
He tipped a fierce effort from Maxi Araujo onto the crossbar early on and later denied both Geny Catamo and Luis Suarez to keep the game level.
Speaking after the match, Havertz praised his teammate’s display, saying, “Unbelievable… he is still underestimated in the world of football, but for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world.”
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also admitted his side struggled to find cutting edge for much of the game, but credited the moment of quality that decided it.
“In the end, a magic moment from the finishers wins us the game,” he said.
The match also saw a historic moment as teenager Max Dowman became the youngest English player to feature in a Champions League knockout match, underlining Arsenal’s blend of youth and experience.
With the win, Arsenal take momentum into the second leg at the Emirates, knowing another disciplined performance could seal a place in the semi-finals for the second consecutive season.
