Watch: Havertz snatches victory for Arsenal in stoppage time after heroic David Raya performance
Arsenal snatched a massive away victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night, as substitute Kai Havertz struck a clinical stoppage-time winner to deflate a resilient Sporting CP in Lisbon.
In what was a cagey and tactical affair at the José Alvalade Stadium, the German international proved to be the difference-maker.
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Introduced in the 70th minute for Martin Odegaard, Havertz waited until the 91st minute to make his mark, ghosting into the center of the box to meet a perfectly weighted pass from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli.
The finish was precise, guiding the ball past Rui Silva and silencing the home crowd.
Superb Kai Havertz ???
Brilliant play from Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz calmly slots home after a sublime first touch ? pic.twitter.com/LF9EnQutnw
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 7, 2026
Huge away win for Arsenal
The 1-0 victory ends Sporting’s formidable run of 17 consecutive home wins and provides Mikel Arteta’s side with a narrow but precious advantage to take back to the Emirates Stadium next week.
After a frustrating first half where both Noni Madueke and Sporting’s Maximiliano Araújo hit the woodwork, Arsenal grew into the game.
The Gunners thought they had taken the lead earlier in the second half when Martín Zubimendi curled a stunning effort into the net, but the goal was ruled out by VAR due to an offside in the buildup involving Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remained disciplined, and the late intervention from Havertz ensured they avoided a third consecutive game without a win following their recent domestic struggles.
David Raya the hero for Arsenal
While Havertz will grab the headlines for his heroics at one end, David Raya was equally instrumental at the other.
The Spanish goalkeeper produced a “masterclass” in shot-stopping, particularly in the closing stages as Sporting pushed for a winner of their own.
Raya was forced into a stunning low save to deny a diving header from Geny Catamo in the 83rd minute and followed it up with a vital double save in the 87th minute after initially spilling a cross.
?? David Raya against Sporting CP:
· 5 saves
· 5 saves from inside the box
· 1 punch
· 100% successful runouts
· 93% pass accuracy pic.twitter.com/90TfiCqGLB— Futball Centa (@futballcenta) April 7, 2026
His ability to recover and smother the follow-up attempt preserved the clean sheet and laid the foundation for Arsenal’s late smash-and-grab.
With the defensive anchor Gabriel Magalhães absent through injury, Raya’s vocal leadership and distribution were essential in guiding a makeshift backline through the hostile Lisbon atmosphere.
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