Maxi Araújo picks out moment that could have changed Sporting-Arsenal | OneFootball

Maxi Araújo lamented Sporting’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, highlighting the chance he had to score, which could have changed the course of the match. The Uruguayan wing-back admitted that the team created enough chances, but lacked efficiency in the decisive moments.

"We knew it was going to be a very difficult game. We had great opportunities. If it had gone in [the ball], it would have been a different game, but the important thing is that we created down both wings and did what we have been working on. A moment of lost concentration ended up costing us the game, but there were a lot of positives and now we have to think about what comes next," he said in Sport TV’s flash interview.

The Uruguay international also admitted that Sporting could have made better use of the wide areas. "Yes, I think so. In the first half, we were often free on both wings and we lacked that final pass to open things up. I think there are things to correct, but we also did some very good things. In central play we always produce great combinations, and I think today they also closed down the middle very well and it was difficult."

Despite the disadvantage, Maxi Araújo remains confident of a comeback in the second leg. "Yes, without a doubt, that’s football. We know it’s going to be very difficult, but today we also had many chances. It will be even harder, but it’s football and we have to play a great game without mistakes if we are to turn it around."

The Sporting player also commented on Viktor Gyökeres’s return to Alvalade, highlighting the warm reception for his former teammate. "Did I speak to him? I told him I was very happy to see him. We knew he was going to be welcomed like that because he did so much for this Club. People are very grateful to him and all the applause is well deserved. He deserves it."

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