Sporting CP and Arsenal clashed on Tuesday, April 8, in the first leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. Thanks to a 91st-minute strike from Kai Havertz, the Gunners secured a massive away win to take back to London.
The two sides went toe-to-toe in a first half where the hosts created the clearer chances. Meanwhile, the Gunners, despite coming off back-to-back wins, lacked their usual verticality. With the Sporting defense under little pressure, Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to turn that control into real threats during the opening 45 minutes.
The match came to life in the second half when a Martin Zubimendi goal was wiped off for a Viktor Gyokeres offside. David Raya then emerged as the hero of the night, racking up several clutch stops, including a brilliant double save against Geny Catamo and Luis Suárez. But in the 91st minute, Gabriel Martinelli beat his marker on a cut inside and floated a perfect ball to Havertz, who brought it down with one touch and slotted it home with the next to break the deadlock late.
While the tie remains far from over, Arsenal walked away with a crucial result in Portugal, handing Sporting CP their first home defeat after a perfect five-game run at the Alvalade in the current Champions League campaign. Holding a narrow aggregate lead, the Gunners will look to finish the job when the second leg moves to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, April 15th.