Sports 15 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Arsenal Edge Sporting to Champions League Semis on Aggregate
Arsenal advanced to the Champions League semi-finals for the second straight year after a tense 0-0 draw at home against Sporting, securing a 1-0 aggregate win thanks to Kai Havertz's goal from the first leg. The Gunners will now face Atletico Madrid, while keeping their eighth clean sheet in 12 European matches this season. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/arsenal-scrape-past-sporting-to-reach-champions-league-semi-finals-5425210
Arsenal ground out a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Sporting at home to progress in the Champions League, clinching a 1-0 aggregate victory and booking a semi-final spot against Atletico Madrid.
Mikel Arteta’s team relied on Kai Havertz’s late strike from the Lisbon leg to hold off a resilient Sporting side. The visitors threatened early, with Geny Catamo’s first-half volley striking the post just before the break.
In a low-scoring affair, Arsenal sub Leandro Trossard also hit the woodwork late on. Despite limited chances—managing just one shot on target—the hosts preserved their impressive defensive record.
Captain Declan Rice hailed the achievement of consecutive semi-final appearances, while Arteta praised his team’s control in the final stages, dodging a late scare from Joao Simoes.
The result boosts morale ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City, following recent setbacks. Sporting boss Rui Borges felt his team merited more but expressed pride in their display.
Arsenal aim to surpass last season’s semi-final exit to Paris St Germain and reach the final for just the second time since 2006.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)