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Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Sporting CP: Havertz Gives Drab Gunners Critical Advantage
GOAL!!! Sporting 0-1 Arsenal (Havertz, 90)
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A classic away performance in Europe. Raya has come up big at one end and Arsenal take their big moment up the other end. Martinelli cuts in and provides a clever ball straight into Havertz inside the box.
His first touch is sublime to set up the chance which he passes into the bottom corner. Such calmness.
Sporting vs Arsenal LIVE! Champions League quarter-final first leg score, match updates, team news and commentary
Tuesday 7 April 2026 22:09, UK
Full Time: Sporting 0-1 Arsenal
Havertz at the death! Arsenal clinch late win in Lisbon View post
Arsenal now strong favourites to reach Champions League semis
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‘Raya is the best in the world’
Kai Havertz speaking to Amazon Prime:
“He’s so underrated in world football. For the past two seasons he’s been the best goalkeeper in the world. He’s saved us so many times and been outstanding. We’re glad to have him.”
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Martin Zubimendi thought he’d put Arsenal ahead in Lisbon but Viktor Gyokeres was 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄 in the build-up! ❌
Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Sporting CP: Havertz Gives Drab Gunners Critical Advantage
Kai Havertz came off the bench to decide the match.
Kai Havertz’s winner has handed Arsenal the advantage in their quarterfinal. |
Arsenal and Sporting CP seemed destined for a goalless stalemate in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal, but Kai Havertz struck out of nowhere in stoppage time to claim a 1–0 win for the visitors.
This was another night where the Gunners toiled in possession, with patient build-up play seemingly a ploy to tame their hosts, who have an imperious record on home soil.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who entered the game having suffered back-to-back domestic cup defeats, would have been content with returning to north London next week at 0–0, but instead struck gold through a cool Havertz finish late on.
Excluding Martín Zubimendi’s disallowed goal, that was their only moment in the final third worthy of mention, while David Raya was forced into multiple smart saves, including an outstanding one early on, to ensure Arsenal kept a clean sheet.
One Thing We Can’t Ignore
There was little to separate the two teams in Lisbon. | Valter Gouveia/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
This may have been an eyesore for anyone forced to endure it, but Arsenal will ultimately be thrilled with their evening’s work in Lisbon.
Issues remain by way of attacking invention, but there was a notable defensive improvement from Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Southampton, where they were picked off far too often on the counterattack.
This is a Sporting outfit that had won all five of their home games in the Champions League up to this point, beating holders Paris Saint-Germain in the league phase. The last visiting team to taste anything but a defeat at the Alavade was Primeira Liga leaders Porto back in August. They’d won a club-record 17 straight at home before Arsenal came to town.
So, while some supporters may have been lamenting yet another stodgy display in possession bereft of craft, Havertz’s strike has allowed the narrative to shift. Suddenly, everyone will be praising a classic away performance in the latter stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
Their resilience should be commended after a difficult couple of weeks.
Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Sporting CP (4-2-3-1)
Raya made a crucial early save. | David
GK: David Raya—8.9: The Spaniard’s importance to this Arsenal team was underlined with a stunning fingertip save to deny Maxi Araújo in the opening stages. Who knows how this contest would’ve played out had Sporting broken the deadlock so early on?
RB: Ben White—7.4: Much of Sporting’s attacking joy came when they attacked White’s occasionally careless positioning with some pinpoint long passes. Unable to offer much going forward.
CB: William Saliba—7.5: Luis Suárez was a robust matchup for Saliba, who was forced into fouls and shaken off the ball by the restless Colombian forward once or twice.
CB: Gabriel—7.0: Verbally jousted with South American rival Suárez, but the pair didn’t see too much of each other. Gabriel didn’t seem overly busy overall, but did play an instrumental role in Arsenal’s ruled out opener.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori—7.1: The Italian’s cross-field movements at least ensured there was an element of spontaneity to Arsenal’s performance in possession. Held up well defensively.
CM: Martin Zubímendi—6.9: Thought he’d curled home a lovely effort for the lead, but was ruled out for an offside in the build-up. Zubimendi helped Arsenal settle, but others took more responsibility.
CM: Declan Rice—8.1: A welcome return to Arsenal’s midfield, Rice helped more than the two metronomes around him to help the visitors settle into the game, breaking Sporting’s lines often.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—7.1: There was plenty of style, but not too much by way of substance. Still, Ødegaard was bright enough and at least trying to break open Sporting’s resistance.
RW: Noni Madueke—7.3: Forced the impulsive Araújo into several fouls, and was bright in the one-on-one battle with the Uruguayan. Lacked quality with the final action, though.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—6.3: Not a pleasant homecoming for Gyökeres, who was wrapped up by two impressive center backs who know him well.
LW: Leandro Trossard—7.2: Close to anonymous again, outside of one teasing cross that forced goalkeeper Rui Silva to scramble.
SUB: Kai Havertz (70’ for Ødegaard)—7.1: That was some finish to win it late on. Ghosting in behind, it felt like a vintage Havertz goal.
SUB: Max Dowman (76’ for Madueke)—6.3: Arsenal’s unrelenting record-breaker wasn’t the difference-maker off the bench, but at least he gets fans off seats when the ball’s at his feet.
SUB: Gabriel Martinelli (76’ for Trossard)—7.0: Martinelli’s assist for the winner was superb, and the sort of moment he hasn’t produced anywhere near enough over the past couple of years.
Subs not used: Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK), Khari Ranson (GK), Cristhian Mosquera, Marli Salmon, Andre Harriman-Annous, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard, Gabriel Jesus.
What the Ratings Tell Us
Madueke was a bright spark. | Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC/Getty Images
On what was a bleak night for soccer romantics, Noni Madueke at least offered a semblance of positive intention down his flank, with the speed he injected into Arsenal’s otherwise dormant attacks allowing those watching on to arise from their slumbers. Madueke is unlikely to displace Bukayo Saka once Arsenal’s starboy returns from injury, but the gap between the two perhaps isn’t as wide as it was at the start of the season.
There’s reason for Mikel Arteta to be encouraged by Ben White‘s performance, even if he endured a tricky start. After his mishap on Saturday, White was targeted by the hosts, and he struggled to deal with Maxi Araújo’s runs from deep. However, the England international steadied himself and grew into the contest, with his defensive work diligent for the most part.
Seriously, where would Arsenal be without David Raya?
The Numbers That Explain Arsenal’s Ugly Victory

The Gunners toiled in Lisbon. | Alex Pantling/UEFA/Getty Images
Arsenal didn’t record their first shot on target until the 42nd minute, and ended the first half with just 0.08 expected goals.
Before Kai Havertz’s winning strike, the Gunners had accumulated just 0.16 xG, while Sporting ended the first leg with 0.84, having missed two big chances compared to Arsenal’s zero.
A sound-enough defensive showing from the visitors, aided by David Raya, meant Sporting failed to score at home for the first time in 30 games.
Statistic
Sporting CP
Arsenal
Possession
44%
56%
Expected Goals (xG)
0.84
0.78
Total Shots
8
23
Shots on Target
4
7
Big Chances
2
1
Passing Accuracy
79%
89%
Fouls Committed
9
11
Corners
4
9
READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC
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ARSENAL'
Sporting 0-1 Arsenal: Kai Havertz scores in stoppage time to clinch Champions League quarter-final first-leg win
Match report as Kai Havertz’s 91st-minute goal clinches a 1-0 win for Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting; David Raya made several vital saves; Gunners welcome Sporting to Emirates Stadium for second leg next week
Kai Havertz came off the bench and scored a 91st-minute winner as Arsenal clinched a 1-0 victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon.
Just when it seemed a cagey game was heading for a stalemate, Havertz produced a brilliantly composed finish from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli’s pass to give Arsenal a potentially crucial advantage ahead of next week’s second leg.
The Gunners were indebted to David Raya for keeping the scores level before that, with the goalkeeper having superbly tipped a Maxi Araujo shot onto the crossbar early in the game before making vital saves from Geny Catamo and Luis Suarez late on.
Player ratings
Sporting: Silva (6), Araujo (7), Inacio (6), Diomande (7), Fresneda (6), Morita (6), Simoes (6), Goncalves (6), Trincao (7), Catamo (7), Suarez (7)
Subs: Braganca (6), Nel (6)
Arsenal: Raya (9), White (7), Saliba (7), Gabriel (7), Calafiori (7), Zubimendi (7), Rice (7), Odegaard (7), Madueke (7), Trossard (6), Gyokeres (6)
Subs: Havertz (8), Martinelli (7), Dowman (6)
Player of the Match: David Raya
Arsenal had a Martin Zubimendi goal ruled out by VAR for an offside against Viktor Gyokeres but created few other chances before Havertz’s late strike clinched a classic European away win which included another show of defensive resilience.
ARSENAL'
BREAKING NEWS: I have officially returned the Man of the match award to Him, although I made some crucial saves to kept us in the game but this particular player standout for us last night,I think the fans voted the wrong person”, David Raya has officially returned the Man of the match award to ONE Arsenal teammate who had 10/10 player rating last night
Mikel Arteta and Kai Havertz agree on Arsenal weapon that will win them ‘big titles’
After Arsenal overcame Sporting CP in dramatic circumstances in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, Kai Havertz and Mikel Arteta agreed on their feelings around David Raya
Kai Havertz spoke highly about his team
Kai Havertz and Mikel Arteta truly believe Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya is currently ‘the best goalkeeper in the world.’ Havertz also insisted performances from players like Raya will keep the Gunners in the hunt for ‘big titles.’
The Arsenal goalkeeper was the man of the match in the Gunners’ huge 1-0 away victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash. Havertz’s late goal inflicted a first home defeat in 20 matches on the Portuguese side and gave Arsenal the perfect platform to build on ahead of the second-leg next week.
While the German was the one who got the goal, the real match-winner was Raya. He made a huge save from Maximiliano Araujo, pushing his fierce effort onto the crossbar with his finger tips.
After Raya made many other key saves, Havertz and Arteta both said the ex-Brentford ace is the best shot-stopper on the planet right now.
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In his post-match interview, Havertz said: “Unbelievable. I think [he is] still underestimated in the world of football. But for me, the last two seasons, [he is] the best keeper in the world. He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him.”
Arteta agreed with his midfielder, saying: “At the moment David is the best goalkeeper in the world. He has been phenomenal since he joined us and we are very lucky to have him.”
In the Champions League, Raya has kept seven clean sheets, only conceding three goals in 10 appearances.
His performance against the Portuguese heavyweights also summed up why so many thought he would have made a difference in the League Cup final loss to Manchester City.
Raya was also absent for the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton, with Kepa Arrizabalaga also given the nod to face the Championship side, despite his mistake at Wembley. Raya’s performance in Sporting will surely cement his position in both the Premier League and the Champions League for the Gunners.
Raya was a brick wall in the Arsenal goal
While the FA Cup and the League Cup are now out of Arsenal’s reach, Havertz insisted he and his team-mates believe they can win the Premier League and the Champions League. He said: “Definitely a big turnaround for us because we lost the last two matches.
“So we wanted to get a turnaround today and we made that happened. We stick together as a group, we have so much more to come this season. Seven weeks to go, we can win big titles and we’re going to go for that.”
ARSENAL'
brings you all the latest news as European quarter-finals take centre-stage, starting with the Champions League.
Kai Havertz scored in second half stoppage time to hand Arsenal a big 1-0 win over Sporting in their first leg clash.
At the Bernabeu, Luis Diaz and Harry Kane were on target for Bayern Munich in a 2-1 win away at Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard joined talkSPORT Breakfast and spoke about who might replace Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s season, if he plans to return to management and the fantastic Kane.
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And Harry Maguire signed a new 12-month Manchester United contract, with an option for a further year.
7th Apr 2026, 22:47
By Robert Calcutt
Legendary
Manuel Neuer will undoubtedly be remembered as an all-time great.
He made his 136th start in the Champions League tonight for Bayern Munich.
This tally has equalled that of Lionel Messi for Barcelona.
Only Iker Casillas has made the most starts for a single club in the competition with 149 for Real Madrid.
Manuel Neuer with his Player of the Match award from Real Madrid v Bayern Munich.
7th Apr 2026, 22:37
By Robert Calcutt
High five
There will be at least five Premier League teams in the Champions League next season.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Sporting tonight has confirmed the extra place for England’s top flight.
The two best-performing leagues across the three European club competitions are awarded an extra spot by UEFA.
As per the season coefficient rankings, the Premier League are top.
Spain’s LaLiga look set to join them with a fifth spot.
If the 2025/26 Premier League season was to end now, Liverpool would qualify for the 2026/27 Champions League as they are fifth.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa will also compete given they occupy the top four.
Champions League draw balls.
7th Apr 2026, 22:27
By Robert Calcutt
Happy Havertz
Kai Havertz is delighted to have scored the winner for Arsenal, but insists that the tie isn’t over.
The Gunners will take a 1-0 lead into the second leg against Sporting on April 15 thanks to his late finish.
“To score a late goal is always nice, especially in front of the fans and we take that result,” Havertz told Amazon Prime.
“Still a lot of work to do next week but we take the result, for sure.”
Speaking on their response to two consecutive defeats, he added: “Definitely a big turnaround for us because we lost the last two matches.
“So we wanted to get a turnaround today and we made that happened.
“We stick together as a group, we have so much more to come this season.
“Seven weeks to go, we can win big titles and we’re going to go for that.”
Kai Havertz celebrates for Arsenal against Sporting.
7th Apr 2026, 22:21
By Robert Calcutt
Stats interesting
With tonight’s action now over, here are some post-match stats.
Real Madrid 1-2 Bayern Munich
Bayern have beaten Madrid in the Champions League for the first time since April 2012. Victory at the Bernabeu has ended a run of nine winless matches – two draws and seven defeats.
Madrid have lost at home in the first leg of a two-legged knockout stage match in the Champions League for just the sixth time. It’s their first such result since the last 16 in 2020, and they did not progress from the previous five ties.
Sporting 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal have scored eight Champions League goals this season via substitutes, with only Paris Saint-Germain netting more this season with ten.
Sporting have now lost all five of their Champions League knockout stage first-leg matches by an aggregate score of 0-17.
Arsenal after beating Sporting in the Champions League.
7th Apr 2026, 21:56
By Robert Calcutt
Full-time
It’s all over in Madrid and Lisbon!
Bayern Munich have claimed a huge away win in the first leg against Real Madrid.
Goals from Luis Diaz and Harry Kane give them a one-goal advantage for the second leg, whilst Kylian Mbappe netted for the hosts.
Sporting came agonisingly close to drawing with Arsenal.
But substitute Kai Havertz scored the winning goal for the Gunners in the first minute of stoppage time.
Bayern Munich celebrate after beating Real Madrid in the Champions League.
7th Apr 2026, 21:51
By Robert Calcutt
GOAL! – Sporting 0-1 Arsenal
Kai Havertz at the death!
Gabriel Martinelli sends a great ball over the top that finds the German, who slots it past the Sporting goalkeeper.
Surely that’s the winner for the Gunners? It is!
Kai Havertz scores for Arsenal against Sporting.
Real Madrid 1-2 Bayern Munich
Kylian Mbappe misses a great chance to level it.
The Frenchman goes for goal from distance, but it’s wide enough of the target for Manuel Neuer to just watch it fly past.
We’re now into four minutes of stoppage time.
Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
A big, big save from David Raya.
The Spaniard does so well to stop a Geny Catamo header from sneaking in at his near post.
Sporting earn themselves a corner, but nothing comes of it.
7th Apr 2026, 21:37
By Robert Calcutt
Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal are making a couple of changes, and Max Dowman is coming on for the last 14 minutes or so.
Can the 16-year-old help find a breakthrough in this?
Gabriel Martinelli is also on, with Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard going off.
GOAL! – Real Madrid 1-2 Bayern Munich
Real Madrid have pulled themselves back in this!
Trent Alexander-Arnold delivers a lovely ball across the face of goal, and Kylian Mbappe is there to convert it.
Madrid had to wait for goal line technology to confirm it, but it’s a huge goal on the night.
Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi thinks he’s fired Arsenal in front.
The midfielder finds the back of the net from range.
But Viktor Gyokeres is way offside in the buildup and the goal is ruled out.
Real Madrid 0-2 Bayern Munich
Vinicius Jr misses a golden chance for Real Madrid!
Dayot Upamecano gives him a free run on goal as he heads the ball back and slips over.
Vinicius only has Manuel Neuer to beat and tries to go round him, but his effort ends up hitting the side netting.
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