Havertz seals late win as Arsenal edge Sporting in Champions League clash

Arsenal FC secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg, with a late goal proving decisive.

The breakthrough came in stoppage time when Kai Havertz found the net under pressure, handing Arsenal a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg.

The encounter had looked set to end goalless, with both sides creating chances but lacking the cutting edge in front of goal. Arsenal thought they had gone ahead earlier in the second half through Martin Zubimendi, but the effort was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Sporting also threatened at intervals, with attacking moves led by Geny Catamo and Luis Suárez, but they were denied repeatedly by solid goalkeeping.

The visitors, managed by Mikel Arteta, controlled possession for much of the second half but were forced into adjustments following injuries to key players, including Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard.

Despite Sporting’s disciplined defensive setup, Arsenal kept pushing and were rewarded late on, with Havertz’s strike ensuring they take a slender but important lead into the second leg.