UEFA Champions League
7:00 p.mApril 7, 2026
Quarter finals
Jose Alvalade Stadium
Referee: Daniel Siebert, Germany
sports CP
arsenal
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.77
Expected Goals (xG)
0.78
Passing by
328 (85%)
Accurate passes
467 (91%)
Lineup data will be available 1 hour before kick-off
UEFA Champions League Ranking – UEFA Champions League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Champions League (Play Off: Round of 16)
Kai Havertz’s spectacular stoppage-time winner sealed a vital 1-0 win for Arsenal against Sporting CP in a closely-fought UEFA Champions League match.
Arsenal extended their perfect Champions League record on Tuesday 7 April 2026 by overcoming a resilient Sporting side at the Estádio José Alvalade. The Gunners entered the tie on a five-match winning streak in the competition, while Sporting were aiming to capitalize on their strong home support despite being ranked bottom of their group.
The first half saw the two teams trade blows in a tactical battle, with Sporting CP showing early intent. Hidemasa Morita received a yellow card for a foul in the 31st minute, highlighting the intensity of the midfield skirmishes. Although Sporting had more shots, Arsenal’s defence, led by William Saliba, held firm.
Sporting created several chances, forcing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into action several times. Raya made five crucial saves throughout the match, keeping the score level with impressive tackles. The home team Geny Catamo was particularly animated, registering three shots on goal.
At halftime, the deadlock remained unbroken. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal needed to find more penetration and clinical finishing to break down Sporting’s disciplined defence. Sporting, on the other hand, had to convert their chances to take advantage of their territorial advantage.
The second half brought more drama. Sporting made the first substitution in the 62nd minute, replacing J. Simoes with Daniel Braganca. Just a minute later, Arsenal thought they had taken the lead when Martin Zubimendi found the back of the net. However, the VAR intervened, disallowing the goal for offside, keeping the game well balanced.
Mikel Arteta has tried to give a new offensive boost. In the 70th minute, Kai Havertz replaced Martin Odegaard, a tactical change that proved crucial. In the 76th minute, further changes followed for Arsenal: Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard came off the pitch, with Gabriel Martinelli among those brought on. Sporting countered with their own substitution in the 79th minute, when Pedro Gonçalves made way for R. Nel.
As the game progressed towards stoppage time, Arsenal found their decisive breakthrough. In the 90th + 1st minute, Gabriel Martinelli, who had just come off the bench, made a precise assist. Kai Havertz, who had also come on as a substitute, fired home from close range. His clinical finish secured a spectacular away win for the Gunners, breaking Sporting’s hearts.
The stats painted a picture of a tight affair. Both teams scored almost identical expected goals (xG), with Sporting at 0.77 and Arsenal at 0.78, indicating a game decided by good margins. Sporting had more total shots (10 to Arsenal’s 7) and shots on goal (5 to 4) but could not beat Raya.
Arsenal kept 57% of possession, completing 91% of their passes, showing their control despite fewer clear-cut chances. This narrow win extends Arsenal’s impressive European campaign. Sporting CP now face a major challenge in the second leg, needing to overturn a one-goal deficit against a formidable Arsenal side.
