Arsenal claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday.
The hosts carved out the first opening when Ousmane Diomande slipped a clever pass to Maxi Araujo on the left, but his fierce strike was brilliantly clawed onto the crossbar by David Raya.
Araujo’s strike from 20 yards out flew just wide before Geny Catamo forced a save from Raya at his near post.
At the other end, Noni Madueke came agonisingly close to a goal, as his wicked inswinging corner crashed off the bar before Martin Odegaard fired the rebound wide.
Neither side created any other clear-cut chances, and both sides went into the break goalless.
Leandro Trossard could’ve broken the deadlock after the break, but his long-range effort flew wide.
Raya then got down quickly to deny Francisco Trincao at the other end.
Martin Zubimendi thought he had given the Gunners the lead, but the goal was chalked off as Viktor Gyokeres was caught offside in the build-up.
Gabriel Martinelli forced Rui Silva into a low save before Raya made a double save at his near post, denying Catamo and Luis Suarez.
Kai Havertz finally broke the stalemate in stoppage time, receiving a precise pass from Martinelli before calmly slotting home the winner.
Arsenal have a narrow advantage heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday.
