Former Sporting assistant on Arsenal tie: Hard to go through | OneFootball

Tiago Teixeira describes Sporting as the "underdog" in the Champions League quarter-finals, pointing to Arsenal’s strong squad — leaders of the Premier League and unbeaten in the Champions League — as the favorites to reach the semi-finals, although football is not an exact science.

"I’m not saying it’s an impossible mission, because Sporting have had a fantastic campaign and an upset can happen, but it will be difficult to go through. Sporting are the "underdog", while Arsenal probably have the strongest squad in this round. Despite having a few injuries, they are top of the English league and have not lost in the Champions League. It will be a very interesting match to follow, competitive and tactical," he said in comments to Agência Lusa.

The 44-year-old coach, who was previously part of João Pereira’s coaching staff, believes the home factor could help. "It will be easier (to play) with the fans present, and the team will have different energy. Of course, you never expect to decide the tie in the first leg, but I think Arsenal will take a more cautious approach, similar to their away games in the "Champions". Sporting have to make the most of this opportunity," he said.

Tiago Teixeira views Sporting’s European run as fantastic, although without downplaying the importance of the domestic league. "An excellent European campaign is always a source of pride, but it cannot replace winning the league, which is generally the most highly valued competition at domestic level. Sporting still have the Portuguese Cup to play for and are in the title race, which will go down to the wire," he said.

Sporting face Arsenal — who have major news — the clear Premier League leaders and top of the Champions League league phase, on Tuesday at 8:00 pm at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, in the opening of the quarter-finals, with the second leg scheduled for April 15 in London, at the same time.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.