Despite a dominant start in North London, Arsenal were forced to hold on to their slim first leg advantage to progress to the semis. Yankee Scores reports ….
Arsenal progressed to the Champions League semifinals after a tense, goalless draw with Sporting at Emirates Stadium.
Havertz’s First-Leg Strike Proves Decisive
The Gunners were ahead 1-0 from the first leg courtesy of Kai Havertz’s late goal in Lisbon last week. That goal proved enough for Mikel Arteta’s team to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.
Survival Mode: Sporting Rattles the Woodwork at the Emirates
Arsenal controlled game from the blast of the whistle, but it was Sporting that came closest to scoring in the first half.
Francisco Trincao, Pedro Goncalves, and a bad pass from Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya gave Sporting chances. Then, after Maxi Araujo crossed the ball into the area, Geny Catamo hit the post with a volley.
A Nervy Atmosphere: Shaking Off the Domestic Slump
The home crowd inside the stadium produced a nervy atmosphere as the game went on with the Gunners defending a slender lead and following their defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend.
In the second half, Araujo had Sporting’s best chance when he shot wide from inside the area. Late in the game, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard hit the post with a header from a corner.
Historic Territory: Atletico Madrid Awaits in the Semifinals
Arsenal has never made it to the semifinals of this competition two years in a row. They will face Atletico Madrid for a spot in the final.
