Arsenal set historic club record after goalless draw to Sporting Lisbon to reach Champions League semi-final

Ed Griffiths
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:13:16 +0000

Arsenal have reached consecutive Champions League semi-finals for the first time in the club's history after grinding out a tense goalless draw against Sporting at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta's side progressed 1-0 on aggregate, with Kai Havertz's decisive strike from the first leg in Portugal proving sufficient to see off the Portuguese visitors.

The Gunners will now meet Atlético Madrid in the last four, following the Spanish side's victory over Barcelona across their two-legged quarter-final.

Despite controlling possession for much of the evening, Arsenal produced an unconvincing display that left supporters anxious until the final whistle, with Sporting creating several dangerous opportunities to level the tie.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The visitors came closest to scoring when Geny Catamo struck the outside of the post with a sweetly-hit volley in the 43rd minute, arriving unmarked at the far post to meet Maxi Araujo's cross.

Sporting also had strong penalty appeals dismissed when Araujo went down under pressure from Cristhian Mosquera, though VAR determined the contact was insufficient.

Francisco Trincao posed a constant threat, picking up dangerous positions between the lines, while Luis Suarez, the Portuguese league's top scorer, fired wide when well-placed.

David Raya's distribution caused concern, with one dreadful pass almost gifting Sporting a goal when intercepted deep in Arsenal territory.

Arsenal managed just one shot on target across the entire 90 minutes.

Noni Madueke was forced off in the 62nd minute after sustaining a knee injury following a heavy challenge, with the physio indicating he could not continue.

His departure brought 16-year-old Max Dowman into the action, with the Emirates crowd rising to their feet before his name was even announced.

The youngster made an immediate impact, winning several set-pieces and delivering dangerous corners that troubled Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva.

LATEST SPORT NEWS

Former England star doubles down on claim Dubai is safer than London

EFL club announce week-long emergency loan deal ahead of title decider

Real Madrid icon dies as statement sparks tributes for 'one of greatest legends in world'

Viktor Gyokeres endured a miserable evening against his former employers.

He managed just 14 touches and completed only five passes before being withdrawn after 55 minutes.

The Swedish striker was replaced by Havertz, the first-leg match-winner, having failed to trouble Sporting's centre-backs Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande.

Arteta's anxiety was evident throughout, with the Spanish manager receiving a yellow card for persistent complaints about the officiating.

The tension reached boiling point in the closing stages when Arteta was seen screaming in Leandro Trossard's face, apparently furious at the Belgian for not maintaining his width near the touchline.

The introductions of Trossard and Gabriel Jesus in the 78th minute helped Arsenal see out the contest, with the fresh legs providing renewed energy to the frontline.

Sporting substitute Simoes came agonisingly close to forcing extra time in stoppage time, dragging a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

Four minutes of added time felt an eternity for the home supporters before the final whistle confirmed Arsenal's progression.

Arsenal will now face Atletico Madrid in the last four of the competition.