OffsAIde
·8 April 2026
Sporting v Arsenal ratings: David Raya shines as Viktor Gyökeres struggles

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Yahoo sportsOffsAIde
·8 April 2026

David Raya starred as Arsenal edged Sporting CP 1-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, while Viktor Gyökeres endured a tough reunion with his former club.
L'Équipe notes the Spaniard was assured and Declan Rice imposed himself in midfield with driving runs and diligent recoveries. Raya made an early stop on 6 minutes and swept up smartly with his feet on 38.
After an anonymous first half, Leandro Trossard drew a routine save from Rui Silva on 49 then whipped in a teasing cross on 56. Joao Simoes, 19, struggled, losing three balls and recovering none, and was replaced by Daniel Bragança on 62.
On 63 Martin Zubimendi had a goal ruled out because Gyökeres was offside, the Swede then shot tamely a minute later. Arsenal made a change on 76 as Gabriel Martinelli came on for Trossard.
Geny Catamo went close on 78 and forced Raya into further stops on 83 and 87. Arsenal finally broke through on 90+1, Martinelli crossing for Kai Havertz to settle the first leg.
Source: L'Équipe









































