AFCON 2025
Kai Havertz put Arsenal in a good position to qualify for the last four of the Champions League with a win over Sporting Lisbon.
The German winger came off the bench to score the only goal of the match as the Gunners took a 1-0 advantage into the second half at the Emirates.
It was a game of few chances as both sides showed composure in defense leading up to the final few minutes of the tie.
David Raya showed great reflexes with two minutes to the 90 as he parried away Genu Catamo’s header from close range.
Martin Zubimendi had earlier given Arsenal the lead after the hour mark but his goal was ruled offside.
David Raya kept Arsenal in the tie especially in the last 10 minutes when Sporting Lisbon were all over them as he made two critical saves.
Kai Havertz came on for Martin Ordegaard, and the former Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen forward made the difference in the 91st minute.
Havertz beautifully controlled Gabriel Martinelli’s lofted cross, showed composure before slotting the ball into the back of the net.
Mikel Arteta’s men take a slim advantage over Sporting Lisbon ahead of the return fixture at the Emirates next week.
