Champions League: Arsenal Edge Past Lisbon in Hard-Fought Match, Ex-Chelsea Striker the Difference-Maker
Source: Penyerang Arsenal Kai Havertz merayakan golnya ke gawang Sporting CP
Arsenal had to work extra hard to secure a 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon, early Wednesday morning WIB. Former Chelsea striker, Kai Havertz, became the match-winner for The Gunners in stoppage time.
This win provides an important advantage for Arsenal when they host the second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta's squad only needs a Draw to advance to the semi-finals.
Conversely, Sporting faces a difficult task. The representatives from Portugal must achieve a win by a margin of at least two goals in London if they want to turn the tie around and progress to the next round.
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From the start of the match, Sporting played bravely and immediately applied pressure. A chance came from Maximo Araujo, but his shot still hit the crossbar of Arsenal's goal.
Arsenal tried to respond through Noni Madueke, but his effort missed the target as the ball sailed over the Sporting crossbar.
Entering the second half, Arsenal thought they had taken the lead. Martin Zubimendi scored in the 63rd minute, but the goal was disallowed by the referee after a VAR review showed an offside position.
Sporting didn't stay quiet and threatened again. Geny Catamo's header nearly put the hosts ahead, if not for a save by Arsenal goalkeeper, David Raya.
Just as the match looked set to end in a Draw, Arsenal found the decisive moment. Kai Havertz successfully converted a pass from Gabriel Martinelli to score the winning goal in the 90+1 minute.
Havertz's goal was the difference in a match that was tight and full of pressure for both teams.
In the very limited remaining time, Sporting pushed hard for an equalizer. But until the final whistle blew, the 1-0 scoreline for Arsenal's victory remained.
This result puts Arsenal in a more advantageous position heading into the second leg, although they must remain wary of a potential surprise from Sporting.
