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Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time goal earns Arsenal a 1-0 win at Sporting, giving them Champions League quarterfinal advantage.
LISBON, Portugal - Arsenal moved closer to a first UEFA Champions League semi-final after Kai Havertz's stoppage-time winner secured a 1-0 victory at Sporting CP, giving Mikel Arteta's side control of their quarterfinal tie. The Gunners, often criticised for their pragmatic style, found reassurance in a result that proved their approach can work even when attacking chances are limited.
"The demands from August are win and win and win," Arteta said. "If you don't win four trophies, 'what are we doing?' The players need perspective, and this result is a reminder of what we are as a team."
Arsenal struggled to create chances for long periods, with David Raya producing five saves, including a fingertip stop in the sixth minute that diverted Maximiliano Araújo's shot onto the crossbar. Havertz praised Raya as "for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world." Arteta added: "He's extraordinary, magnificent, incredible. We are so happy to have him."
The decisive moment came from impact substitutes. Gabriel Martinelli set up Havertz, who controlled and finished expertly. Arsenal's substitutes have contributed 38 goal involvements this season, including four in the Champions League. "The finishers come in when the most important part of the game is about to happen, and they made the difference," Arteta said.
The win offers a psychological lift after domestic cup defeats. Sporting, unbeaten in 17 home games, remain a threat, but their sixth-place standing and inexperience at this stage give Arsenal an advantage.
Arteta stressed maintaining team identity and effort. "Yesterday I talked about identity and the things I wanted to see on that pitch. It certainly happened. If we maintain these principles, we have a great chance," he said.
Arsenal now prepare for the second leg in London, with the possibility of facing Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, or Bayern Munich next, putting their fine-margin approach to another test.
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