LATE HAVERTZ GOAL SEALS FIRST-LEG ADVANTAGE FOR ARSENAL AT SPORTING.

Kai Havertz struck in stoppage time to hand Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Sporting CP
in Lisbon, giving the Gunners a slender advantage in their Champions League
quarter-final tie.
In a tight and cagey contest, Sporting came closest early on when Maxi Araujo’s
powerful effort was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by David Raya.
Arsenal responded through Noni Madueke, whose audacious attempt from a corner
also struck the bar.
Both sides struggled to create clear openings, with Sporting’s compact shape
frustrating Arsenal, while Declan Rice played a key role in breaking up attacks in
midfield.
Arsenal thought they had taken the lead in the second half when Martin Zubimendi
curled home from distance, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Raya was called into action again late on, producing a superb one-handed save to
deny Geny Catamo and keep the match level.
Just as the game appeared to be heading for a draw, Havertz delivered in the final
moments, firing a low shot into the net to secure a crucial away win for Arsenal.
The result gives the Gunners a narrow edge ahead of the second leg at the Emirates
Stadium, while Sporting will take encouragement from their disciplined performance.