Arsenal secured a crucial first-leg advantage in their Champions League quarter-final tie with a late winner against Sporting CP, as Kai Havertz came off the bench to poke home past Rui Silva.
The Gunners, under pressure after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, were tested early when Maxi Araújo struck the crossbar following a precise through ball from Ousmane Diomande. Despite dominating possession in the opening half, Arsenal struggled to create clear chances, with Noni Madueke coming closest after hitting the bar directly from a corner.
Sporting remained dangerous on the counter-attack and nearly capitalized when Araújo surged forward again, setting up Francisco Trincão, who fired wide. Arsenal thought they had taken the lead in the second half through Martin Zubimendi, but the goal was ruled out due to an offside involving Viktor Gyökeres in the buildup.
As pressure mounted late on, David Raya made several key saves to keep the visitors in the game. Havertz then delivered the decisive moment, scoring late to hand Mikel Arteta’s side a narrow advantage heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
The win marks Arsenal’s first in three matches and provides a timely boost ahead of their return to Premier League action against Bournemouth.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
