UCL: Kai Havertz seals late Arsenal win in Lisbon

Kai Havertz struck in stoppage time to hand Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Under pressure after consecutive defeats, Arsenal struggled to impose themselves for large parts of the contest in Lisbon.

Despite dominating possession, clear-cut chances remained limited.

Sporting threatened early, with Maxi Araújo striking the crossbar after being played through by Ousmane Diomande.

Arsenal’s best chance in the first half came from Noni Madueke, whose corner delivery hit the woodwork, highlighting the visitors’ lack of cutting edge in open play.

Raya key before Havertz winner

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Arsenal seeing more of the ball but struggling to convert possession into goals.

A moment of hope arrived when Martin Zubimendi found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up involving Viktor Gyökeres.

Sporting pushed late on, forcing David Raya into a series of important saves to keep the tie level.

However, the decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Havertz reacted quickest inside the box, poking home past Rui Silva to secure the win.

Advantage Arsenal ahead of return leg

The result gives Arsenal a narrow advantage heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week and ends a brief dip in form.