On Wednesday, Arsenal qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League. After their 0-1 victory last week, les Gunners only needed a 0-0 draw at home. In the semi-final, they will face Atlético Madrid, winner of FC Barcelona, in a double confrontation.
The Gunners approached the match with offensive intentions, without however creating any clear chances. Sporting then took the game into their own hands and hit the post just before half-time, at the conclusion of a quick counter-attack. No goal was therefore scored after 45 minutes of play at the Emirates Stadium.
Everything remained to be done upon returning from the locker room in north London. The Lisbon side felt they could surprise and were once again unlucky when Maximiliano Araujo, who came in from 20 meters, curled his shot which skimmed the target. The Gunners then responded with Eberechi Eze, whose long-range attempt flirted with the post.
The Gunners then increased their hold on the match in search of the first goal. Gabriel Martinelli almost opened it with a shot over the bar from the edge of the area. Shortly after, Viktor Gyökeres gave way to Kai Havertz, then Noni Madueke shot into the side net.
Arteta then seeks to revive his team and launches young Max Dowman, 16 years old. Sporting demands a penalty after a slight contact reported in their area, but referee François Letexier lets it play and only sanctions Arteta with a yellow card for protest.
The minutes ticked by, qualification was taking shape for the Gunners who were visibly tense. Arteta gestured to push his team forward, in vain. Sporting, with its back to the wall, had to score in the final minutes. From a corner, Leandro Trossard, forgotten at the far post, saw his head hit the upright.
Arsenal have validated their ticket to the semi-finals of the Champions League and will challenge Atlético. The first leg is scheduled for April 29, with the return leg taking place at the Emirates Stadium on May 5.
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