Arsenal claimed their first-ever European knockout victory in Portugal at the seventh attempt after an injury-time goal from Kai Havertz earned the Gunners a 1-0 win over Sporting CP in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Estadio José Alvalade.
After a cautious start from both sides, Sporting created the first real opening when Maxi Araújo unleashed a left-footed effort that David Raya somehow managed to divert onto the crossbar.
It took Arsenal 10 minutes longer to threaten, although their first-half openings remained limited. Noni Madueke, brought into the side in place of the injured Bukayo Saka, came closest for the visitors when he struck the bar directly from a corner.
Sporting were content to drop into a back five whenever Arsenal pushed forward, frustrating the visitors and limiting their rhythm in attack. At the same time, however, the Portuguese side struggled to involve key forward Luis Suárez, and by halftime, neither team had truly taken control of the contest.
Arsenal resumed after the break in much the same fashion, with Declan Rice particularly influential in breaking up Sporting attacks before they could develop. Martin Ødegaard tested Rui Silva with a floated free kick, while at the other end Trincão forced Raya into action with a low drive.
Just after the hour mark, Martin Zubimendi thought he had put Arsenal ahead with a curling strike from outside the area, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Rice continued to impress in midfield, repeatedly regaining possession and helping Arsenal maintain control. At the same time, Raya again came to the rescue late on with an excellent one-handed save to keep out Geny Catamo’s clever header.
With the match seemingly drifting towards a draw, Havertz produced the decisive moment in stoppage time, firing low beyond Rui Silva to silence the home crowd and hand Arsenal a narrow but valuable advantage ahead of the second leg.
The result means Sporting are now without a win in eight meetings with Arsenal, drawing four and losing four, although their disciplined display will still give them reason to believe they can trouble the Gunners at the Emirates.
