Kai Havertz popped up with a stoppage-time goal to snatch Arsenal a much-needed 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
It looked like Arsenal were set to ensure another frustrating outing, but Havertz came off the bench to net another late goal for the Gunners, giving them a lead to protect next week at the Emirates Stadium.
A lightning-quick start to the match, in which both sides hit the crossbar in the first 15 minutes, did not set the tone, with Arsenal also having a Martin Zubimendi goal disallowed in the second half.
Sporting raced out of the blocks, with Araujo holding off his defender as he raced in behind, and he had David Raya worried, only to sweep his shot against the crossbar.
Arsenal settled into the game shortly after, and Noni Madueke almost caught out Rui Silva with an in-swinging corner that bounced off the bar before Martin Odegaard fizzed a first-time effort narrowly wide.
Despite Arsenal’s dominance in possession, Sporting continued to provide a threat on the break, but Trincao got his angles all wrong after being played in by Araujo.
Zubimendi thought he had given Arsenal the lead in the 63rd minute, but his celebrations were cut short. He drilled a low shot into the bottom-right corner from range, but Viktor Gyokeres was offside in the build-up.
Raya then kept Arsenal in the tie, reacting brilliantly to keep out Geny Catamo’s improvised finish in the 83rd minute. He kept the Mozambique international out again shortly before smothering Luis Suarez’s follow-up.
And those saves proved crucial as Arsenal snatched the win in the 91st minute, with Gabriel Martinelli picking out Havertz, who stood up to Silva to bend his low shot into the bottom-left corner.
TAKING CONTROL OF THE TIE pic.twitter.com/zJnX8aysOL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2026
Data Debrief: Arsenal keep fighting to the end
After losing the EFL Cup final to Manchester City and being knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton, Arsenal were in desperate need of a win, and they got their wish.
It is the first time the Gunners have won away against Portuguese opposition in the knockout stages of a major European competition, ending a run of six without victory (D4 L2).
It looked like it was going to be a frustrating match for both sides, with this the first Champions League match this season to see both sides hit the woodwork in the opening 15 minutes.
Arsenal are known for their defensive resolve, though, with this the 39th time this season they have kept a first-half clean sheet in all competitions, four more than any other team across Europe’s big five leagues (Man City – 35).
Raya more than proved his worth on his return after being a substitute in the last five matches, making five saves, but it was Havertz who earned the headlines.
His strike was Arsenal’s second 90th-minute winner in a Champions League knockout game, after Martinelli’s goal in April 2025 against Real Madrid.
