Former Bayer Leverkusen forward, Kai Havertz, netted an additional time winner for Arsenal as the English visitors discomfited Sporting CP by a lone goal in the Uefa Champions League 2025/26 quarter final first leg clash on Tuesday 7 April, 2026.
The game, which took place at Estádio José Alvalad in Lisbon, Portugal, had Arsenal mount all the pressure on their hosts, however, were unable to metamorphose all of that into clear-cut chances.
Havertz, second half substitute placed the ball past Rui Silva late on to give Arsenal, Premier League 2025/26 toppers, a slim advantage as they head into next week’s second leg at Emirates Stadium in North London, England.
The pressure was heavy on Mikel Arteta’s Gunners as they suffered successive defeats for the first time this season.
Arsenal suffered a scare when Sporting CP’s left back, Maxi Araujo’s effort struck the crossbar early on following a beautiful through pass from Ousmane Diomande.
Arsenal’s best and closest goal chance was when Noni Madueke’s effort, direct from the corner, hit the crossbar.
A goal by Martin Zubimendi in the second half to hand Arsenal the lead was cancelled by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres was offside in the build-up.
In the 1st minute of additional time, Havertz converted Gabriel Martinelli’s assist to give Arsenal the winner as they prepare for the second leg of the tie next week Wednesday.
The Gunners had been blasted after two (2) consecutive defeats and looked like they would suffer frustration once again before Havertz netted the crucial winner.
Photo: Kai Havertz scored the winner for Arsenal in the Uefa Champions League quarter final first leg match against Sporting CP on Tuesday 7 April, 2026 in Lisbon | Getty Images
