Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals after the team survived a tense 0-0 draw against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday. The Gunners progressed on a 1-0 aggregate scoreline. Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal in stoppage time during the first leg in Lisbon on April 7.
Sporting Lisbon controlled much of the second leg and created several chances. However, Arsenal defended with discipline and limited the visitors to no shots on target.
The home side kept a clean sheet throughout the 90 minutes. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta watched his team absorb pressure and clear every threat. The result gave Arsenal back-to-back semi-final appearances for the first time in club history. Additionally, the Gunners stayed unbeaten in the competition this season.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice described the progress as an amazing achievement. Rice stated that the team wanted to go one step further than last year and reach the final.
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli reflected on the performance. Martinelli said the players believed in themselves and knew their quality. He added that they did well not to concede, took the draw, and felt really happy. Martinelli noted that everyone was happy about two consecutive semi-final appearances and thought the team deserved the progress.
Arsenal will now face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals. Atletico Madrid advanced after the Spanish club defeated Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate the previous day. The first leg of the semi-final is scheduled for next week.
