Saturday, August 1, 2026

Champions League: Havertz nets late winner as Arsenal edge Sporting CP

Kai Havertz scored a stoppage-time winner as Arsenal beat Sporting CP 1-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.

• April 8, 2026

Kai Havertz scored a stoppage-time winner as Arsenal beat Sporting CP 1-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.

The second-half substitute slotted past Rui Silva late on to hand Arsenal a slim advantage ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal came into the match under pressure after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time this season.

Sporting nearly took an early lead when Maxi Araujo struck the crossbar after a fine through pass from Ousmane Diomande.

The visitors dominated possession in the first half but struggled to create clear chances, with Noni Madueke hitting the crossbar directly from a corner.

Sporting remained dangerous on the counter and almost scored when Araujo set up Francisco Trincao, who fired wide.

Martin Zubimendi thought he had given Arsenal the lead, but his effort was ruled out after Viktor Gyokeres was adjudged offside.

The hosts pressed late on, but David Raya made key saves to keep Arsenal in the contest.

Havertz eventually sealed victory, giving Mikel Arteta’s side a crucial win and ending a two-game losing run.

The result boosts Arsenal’s confidence ahead of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the weekend.

Though not their best display, the win could prove decisive in Arsenal’s season as they chase major honours.

Arteta’s side struggled in attack despite controlling possession and lacking a forward in top form.

However, the gritty performance in Lisbon offers renewed belief heading into the decisive stage of the campaign.

The win also eases pressure ahead of their next league match after recent defeats to Manchester City and Southampton.

Arsenal were, however, dealt a setback as captain Martin Odegaard was forced off with an injury concern.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

ICE officers at an airport

World

ICE arrests Johns Hopkins researcher Fatima Ameaka in crackdown on visa overstayers

The university said it was working to get Ms Ameaka a legal representation.

TCN logo

Abuja

Transformer Maintenance: TCN announces temporary power outage in Maitama, Mpape, Jahi

Ms Mbah apologised for any inconvenience the maintenance would cause electricity consumers in the affected areas.

Commercial bus drivers

States

RTEAN cautions motorists against driving vehicles with faulty horns

Mr Onikijipa said a functional horn could save lives, prevent accidents and promote safer roads for everyone.

Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (credit: edutorial0

NationWide

NERDC gives publishers August 7 deadline to submit textbooks for assessment, reassessment  

‎Mr ‎Shehu warned that no submissions would be accepted after the August 7 deadline.

States

Edo rearrests couple over alleged child abuse

The commissioner said the victim had been placed under protective care.

President Bola Tinubu with a delegation from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, on Friday at the State House, Abuja.

Hot news Home top

Tinubu hails move as Gavi commits $500 million to Nigeria’s immunisation programme in next five years

Mr Tinubu expressed appreciation to Gavi for its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and supporting vaccine access in Nigeria.