Arsenal snatched a big away win in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night. Substitute Kai Havertz scored the winning goal in stoppage time in the second half, dethroning the strong Sporting CP in Lisbon.
The German international proved to be the difference-maker in a tense and tactical match at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
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Havertz, who was brought on in the 70th minute to replace Martin Odegaard, waited until the 91st minute to make his mark before ghosting into the center of the box to meet a well-weighted pass from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli.
The finish was precise, guiding the ball past Rui Silva and silencing the home crowd.
Arsenal big away win
The 1-0 win ended Sporting’s incredible run of 17 consecutive home wins and gives Mikel Arteta’s side a slim but valuable advantage to take back to the Emirates Stadium next week.
The first half was a frustrating one with shots from Noni Madueke and Sporting’s Maximiliano Araujo, but Arsenal grew into the game.
The Gunners looked to have taken the lead early in the second half with Martin Zvimendi’s superb shot on goal, but the goal was ruled out by VAR due to Viktor Gökeres being offside in the build-up.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remained disciplined and Havertz’s late intervention ensured they avoided a three-game winless run following their recent domestic struggles.
Arsenal hero David Raya
While Havertz’s heroics will grab the headlines on the one hand, David Raya has contributed as well on the other.
The Spanish goalkeeper showed a “masterclass” in stopping shots, especially in the closing stages when Sporting were looking for victory.
Raya denied Jenny Katamo’s diving header in the 83rd minute with an amazingly low save, before making a crucial double save in the 87th minute after initially spilling a cross.
His ability to recover and block subsequent attempts kept a clean sheet and laid the foundation for Arsenal’s second-half smash and grab.
With defensive anchor Gabriel Magalhães sidelined with injury, Raya’s vocal leadership and distribution were essential to guiding the makeshift backline in a hostile Lisbon atmosphere.
