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Kai Havertz snatched a last-gasp winner as Arsenal stole a 1-0 victory at Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg
UEFA Champions League: Kai Havertz’s klate strike gives as Arsenal 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon (AP)
Arsenal substitute Kai Havertz scored a stoppage-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory at Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.
The Germany forward was left unmarked in the box and found by Gabriel Martinelli before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Rui Silva to decide a tight tactical contest.
After a first half in which Sporting’s Maxi Araujo and Arsenal’s Noni Madueke both hit the woodwork, the visitors had a Martin Zubimendi effort ruled out, while David Raya produced several late saves to deny the hosts.
The deadlock was finally broken in added time by Havertz, who had replaced the injured Martin Odegaard in the 70th minute, giving Arsenal the advantage ahead of the return leg next week.
“We had to be a little bit crisper, faster, more efficient to break them down when they had that block,” Arteta said.
“We had a goal disallowed and there were two or three occasions where we were close but we lacked that final pass. In the end a magic moment from the finishers win us the game.
“It’s beautiful and that’s the impact you need when you get to this stage of the season. Everybody has to make an impact and they certainly did that tonight.”
Praising the outstanding Raya, Arteta added: “He had two moments where he made two big saves.
“At the moment he’s phenomenal and extraordinary since he joined us. We are very lucky to have him.”
The winners of the tie will face Barcelona or Atletico Madrid, who meet at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, in the semi-finals.
Arsneal’s Road To Redemption
Arsenal arrived in Lisbon looking to respond to Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat at second-tier Southampton. They will be delighted with the victory, but the sight of captain Odegaard limping off will worry Arteta.
The Norway midfielder appeared to struggle throughout the match, having only recently returned from a long-term injury layoff.
The first half was a cagey affair, with the woodwork denying both sides an opener. Araujo went close for Sporting early on, his powerful left-footed strike rebounding off the post after a driving run into the box.
Arsenal gradually grew into the game and nearly took the lead through Madueke, whose header from an outswinging corner clipped the bar with Silva beaten.
Despite those chances, both teams struggled to find a consistent rhythm, and the tie remained finely poised at half-time.
Arsenal thought they had broken through shortly after the hour when Zubimendi curled the ball inside the near post, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that found former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres offside in the build-up.
Raya Stars With Saves
With Sporting on top in the closing stages, Raya was forced into several crucial interventions, including a diving save to tip Geny Catamo’s low header behind for a corner. His display earned him the Player of the Match award.
“It’s something that I’m there for. I’m trying to help the team as much as possible in any single action, not just defending but commanding and on the ball,” Raya said.
The match appeared to be heading for a draw until a late lapse in the Sporting defence allowed Havertz the space to control the ball and finish clinically, putting Arsenal in the driving seat.
The result marks a return to winning ways for Arsenal after back-to-back defeats, including their FA Cup exit and their loss to Manchester City in the League Cup final.
“We’ve come from two losses, learn from those moments, that pain when you lose a game,” Raya added.
“Use that pain in the belly to go out there and express yourself, be yourself and try to be better every single day. That’s the main message we have to send out there.”
Premier League leaders Arsenal will look to maintain their momentum when they host Bournemouth on Saturday.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Lisbon, Portugal
April 08, 2026, 07:20 IST
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