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Sporting vs Arsenal LIVE! Champions League quarter-final first leg score, match updates, team news and commentary

Kick Off 8pm: Sporting vs Arsenal

Gabriel fit to start for Arsenal as Rice and Raya return

Arsenal face Portuguese champions in CL QF first leg

Gunners aiming to avoid third successive defeat

CL fixtures | Latest: Arsenal | Sky Be

Sporting team news

Team to play Arsenal: Silva, Araujo, Inacio, Diomande, Fresneda, Morita, Simoes, Goncalves, Trincao, Catamo, Suarez

Gabriel fit to start for Arsenal as Rice returns

Gabriel is fit to start for Arsenal despite having to come off with an apparent knee issue against Southampton on Saturday.

Declan Rice returns having missed that game following his withdrawal from the England squad. David Raya and Leandro Trossard are also back in the starting line-up

Viktor Gyokeres gets the nod up front against his former club, while Martin Odegaard keeps his place following his return from injury against Saints.

Riccardo Calafiori comes in for Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back and Ben White starts in the absence of Jurrien Timber at right-back. Noni Madueke comes in for Max Dowman on the right wing, with Bukayo Saka also absent.

Arsenal team news

Team to play Sporting: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Madueke, Gyokeres

Arteta: Rice looks fresh, Dowman has big chance to come on

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to Prime Video:

“It’s an opportunity. Gratitude for being here again. It’s always very difficult to reach these stages of the competition. And very excited, can’t wait to play.”

On Declan Rice: “He looked really fresh yesterday. I think the break has done him really well. Those issues he had, hopefully they are resolved and he can show on a big stage again the player that he is.”

On Martin Odegaard: “He’s our captain. We know the fluidity and personality he gives to us. He’s a vital player for us for sure.”

On Max Dowman: “He’s very close because he’s doing so many good things. But we need to remember he played 90 minutes three days ago and we need to make sure we can use him when he is ready. He has a big chance to play tonight, for sure.”

On Viktor Gyokeres: “A special night for him and hopefully a great one. It’s always the same thing with Viktor, you don’t notice much difference, but you know inside what it means to him and I’m sure he’s going to show it.”

Full Name: Diego Armando Maradona

Birth: October 30, 1960, in Lanús, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Childhood: Maradona grew up in Villa Fiorito, a poor neighborhood in Buenos Aires. He showed exceptional football talent from a young age, playing with improvised balls in the streets.

Club Career

Argentinos Juniors (1976–1981)

Maradona debuted professionally at age 15.

He quickly became known for his dribbling, vision, and creativity.

Boca Juniors (1981–1982, 1995–1997)

Helped Boca Juniors win the Argentine league in 1981.

Returned to Boca Juniors to finish his career, becoming a club icon.

Barcelona (1982–1984)

Transferred for a then-world record fee.

Showed brilliance but also suffered injuries and illness.

Won the Copa del Rey in 1983.

Napoli (1984–1991)

Maradona’s most legendary club spell.

Transformed Napoli, winning two Serie A titles (1987, 1990), Coppa Italia (1987), and the UEFA Cup (1989).

Became a hero in Naples, a city that had rarely experienced football glory.

Later Clubs: Sevilla (Spain), Newell’s Old Boys (Argentina) – shorter stints before returning to Boca Juniors.

International Career

Argentina National Team (1977–1994)

1986 World Cup (Mexico):

Captained Argentina to victory.

Famous for two iconic goals against England in the quarter-finals: the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century”, a stunning solo dribble past five English players.

Also played in 1982, 1990, and 1994 World Cups, reaching the final in 1990 (lost to West Germany).

Playing Style

Renowned for his dribbling, balance, and creativity.

Played primarily as an attacking midfielder or forward.

Despite a relatively short stature (5’5”), his low center of gravity gave him exceptional agility.

Personal Life and Struggles

Maradona’s life off the pitch was turbulent.

Battled drug addiction, obesity, and health issues.

Known for his fiery personality and controversial moments, including confrontations with referees, club officials, and the media.

Legacy

Global Icon: Maradona is considered one of the greatest footballers ever, often compared with Pelé.

Influence: Inspired countless young players worldwide, especially in Argentina and Naples.

Death: Passed away on November 25, 2020, at age 60 due to a heart attack. His death led to an outpouring of grief worldwide.

Cultural Impact: Maradona remains a symbol of football brilliance and resilience. Streets, murals, and statues commemorate him, especially in Argentina and Naples.

If you want, I can also make a timeline of Maradona’s entire career, including every club, trophy, and major personal milestone—it’s quite dramatic and fascinating.

Do you want me to do that?